It’s Friday morning, how about some new Apple rumors to start the day?

According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple is currently working with suppliers to begin a trial production of its next-gen tablet device, the iPad 3. The trial production is apparently set for October, which would mean an early 2012 release date for the finished product.

The WSJ cites “people familiar with the situation” who say that the Cupertino company has “ordered key components such as display panels and chips.”

Earlier reports indicated that Apple was eyeing a fall release of the iPad 3, just in time for the holiday season. On Tuesday, we told you that a 2011 release was probably unlikely due to delays involving the retina display technology.

“Suppliers will ramp up production and try to improve the yield rate for the new iPad in the fourth quarter before its official launch in early 2012.”

As far as the specs of the iPad 3? Apparently we can expect the high resolution display after all. The screen is said to be 9.7 inches with a 2048 by 1536 resolution:

Apple Inc. is working with component suppliers and its assembler in Asia for the trial production of its next generation iPad from October, people familiar with the situation say, as it looks to stay ahead of the competition in the fast-growing tablet computer market. The next generation iPad is expected to feature a high resolution display – 2048 by 1536 compared with 1024 by 768 in the iPad 2 – and Apple’s suppliers have already shipped small quantities of components for the sampling of the iPad 3. Suppliers said Apple has placed orders for a 9.7-inch screen device.

Of course, iPad 3 rumors have taken a backseat to iPhone 5 rumors these days. The latest rumor sets that release for October 7th with a pre-order period starting September 30th.