DigiTimes is reporting that the supply volume of Apple's rumored 7.85-inch 'iPad mini' is estimated to reach four million units per month, starting next month. This is in preparation of demand on the smaller iPad for the year-end holidays, and as usual, it's all "according to sources from the upstream supply chain".

Rumors have been strong that the Cupertino-based company would launch the smaller, 7.85-inch iPad in October, sporting a thinner screen frame which will "allow the device to feature a bigger display area than other competing products," reports DigiTimes, and "will also feature a resolution similar to that of iPad 2."

DigiTimes' sources have said that the supply chain has already started supplying a small volume of the smaller iPad back in June, where they reached a monthly volume of a few hundred thousand. Apple would most likely peg a $299 price on the 'iPad mini', and their strength in the market, with their name, they should be able to compete without a fight, even against Google and ASUS' $199 Nexus 7 tablet, and anything Amazon throws at them.