Washington, D.C. (July 5, 2012) -- Apple's suppliers are preparing for a mass production of a smaller-screen iPad with a likely launch coming soon, reports The Wall Street Journal.

The screen for the so-called mini iPad would likely be under eight inches, as opposed to the current 9.8-inch iPad. The new device would target a slew of smaller tablets on the markets, including Amazon's Kindle Fire.

Microsoft last month introduced a 10.6-inch called Surface, which is expected to be launched later this year. While Surface would not compete directly with the smaller tablets, its introduction would further crowd the tablet category.

WSJ reports that the iPad commanded a 62 percent share of the global tablet market in 2011, but the category is quickly becoming more competitive and varied with tablets in several sizes.

The Amazon Kindle Fire has enjoyed success in part because some consumers say it's easier to watch video on the go because the screen is easier to hold in their hands. Apple's mini-iPad could tap this growing market.

The WSJ article does not offer any details on pricing for the mini iPad, but it's likely to be comparable to the Kindle Fire, which is $199.

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