Apple's suppliers are ramping up the production of high resolution panels (said to be of 'retina display' pixel density) with the release of the iPad 3 drawing nearer, according to a new report.

DigiTimes says that LG, Samsung and Sharp shipped one million high resolution displays to Apple in October, with two million more units of the screens to be delivered by the end of this month.

The Taiwanese website with connections in Apple's supply chain, predicts that Foxconn Electronics will start assembling the next generation iPad in January 2012.

The website's 'industry sources' also indicate that a 7.85-inch panel is being prepared for another upcoming tablet. AU Optronics (AUO) and LG Display have reportedly already sent mock-ups to Cupertino, and Apple are evaluating the new displays and the possibility of adding a mini version to the iPad range.

In the past week there have been reports that Apple has cut its orders with manufacturers for the existing iPad 2, expecting a slight deduction in demand for this model as the iPad 3 release date approaches.

Analysts and tech pundits are tentatively predicting the iPad 3 will be introduced to the market next Spring, possibly by March.