Report: Production of new iPad starts this summer

While chatter on the next iPhone continues to grow following the arrivals of several high-profile smartphones, consumers might see the refresh of another popular Apple device in stores soon.

According to Digitimes, production on a fifth-generation iPad will begin as early as July. The report cites "sources with Taiwan-based supply chain makers."

The report says that the new iPad will be thinner and lighter than the current model, and include a slim bezel similar to the iPad Mini.

Speculation into the launch of a new iPad kicked off last week, after Fortune reported last week retailers such as Best Buy and Walmart were slashing prices on iPads and iPad Minis, suggesting Apple is poised to launch a new model.

The potential arrival of a new iPad shouldn't come as much of a surprise. Apple has released one every year since the original made its debut in 2010.

Apple continues to dominate the tablet market with the iPad, selling nearly 23 million during the 2012 holiday quarter, up from 15.4 million the same time the previous year. However, competitors appear to be catching up. According to IDC, Apple's tablet market share dropped from 52% in the fourth quarter of 2011 to 44% last year.