The WSJ reports Apple has ordered some 10 million iPad Minis in preparation for launch.

Apple’s Asian components indicate they’ve received orders to ready at least 10 million of the devices for the fourth quarter, about double the number for Amazon’s Kindle Fire HD.

Today’s news comes on the heels of last week’s rumors that Apple will send out invitations on Wednesday to an Oct. 17 event, presumably to announce the iPad Mini.

The iPad mini will reportedly come with a 7.85-inch and  lower resolution screen than that of the standard iPad, and production of those screens began last month via Taiwan’s AU Optronics and South Korea’s LG Display. Other rumors indicate that the iPad’s smaller sibling will be priced competitively against Google’s Nexus 7 ($249.99) and Amazon’s Kindle Fire, both available starting at $199.

The upcoming holiday season will no doubt be all about tablets. Samsung, Amazon, Google and Apple are all gearing up for a big Q4 and it looks like they are putting mobile in the forefront. Apple is notorious for last minute surprises, so there may be a few more ‘leaked’ specs in the coming few weeks leading up to an event.

That said, just like all other Apple products rumors are simply rumors, and until Apple reveals a new product, nothing is for certain.

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