The Taiwan-based publication DigiTimes reported earlier this month that Apple was due to begin the production of a 7.85-inch iPad for 2012 launch. According to a recent note coming from analyst Brian Blair from Wedge Partners, we shouldn’t expect a smaller iPad in 2012.

On the iPad 2 front, Apple may try to launch the new iPad 3 for Steve Jobs’ birthday that was February 24th.

A report coming from Focus Taiwan says that Foxconn, the iPad assembler, is reportedly building around 9.5 million units and has apparently asked its workers to work through the Lunar New Year holiday.

The iPad 3 will allegedly have a slightly different design and will see the introduction of a high-resolution Retina Display.

Along with the iPad 3, Apple will continue selling the iPad 2 at a reduced price, similarly to what they are doing with the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS.

“We believe Apple is highly likely to keep the iPad 2 on the production line after the launch of iPad 3 and offer it at a lower price point in an effort to address demand at the mid-tier, what we view as the $249 – $499 range,” Brian Blair said. “We believe iPad 2′s price could drop to the $349 to $399 range with Apple offering a single 16GB model.”

(Via)