New versions of the iPad and iPhone (News - Alert) may be released as early as September, according to media reports. DigiTimes is reporting that Apple (News - Alert) has already started the process of commissioning parts for the third-generation of iPads and the fifth-generation of iPhones.

Both devices may be introduced in September with a wider release in October, reports 9 to 5 Mac. DigiTimes also reports that the new iPad will be “thinner” and “lighter” than the current version. Its panel resolution would also increase to 250dpi, the report adds.

The new iPad may be named iPad 2, DigiTimes said.

Yet, CNET cautions that Apple has never said it's ready to launch a new iPad in 2011.

In a related issue, 9 to 5 Mac reports that Apple will ship about 85 million iPhones and 40 million iPads during 2011.

“Apple could dethrone HP and become the leading portable PC maker in the world,” 9 to 5 Mac added.

In addition, third-quarter shipments of iPads could total 15 million units. Some 12 million of these can be iPad 2s. There also could be 25 million units shipped of the iPhones during the quarter. These may include 7 million iPhone 5s and 18 million iPhone 4s, 9 to 5 Mac projects.

In a related story, DigiTimes is reporting that Apple may add a second manufacturer for iPad 3 tablet PCs – in addition to Foxconn Electronics.

Quanta Computer and Petagron Technology may be the new manufacturer, DigiTimes quotes unnamed industry sources in Taiwan.

Earlier this year, TMC CEO Rich Tehrani noted that IT spending was projected to increase during 2011, thanks – in part – to Apple’s iPad and CEO Steve Jobs (News - Alert).

“What we're seeing here is not only growth in enterprise spending because of tablet adoption but ancillary products and services are seeing a boost as well,” Tehrani said. “While we can expect Android (News - Alert) tablets to see significant growth as well, the IT community owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to Steve Jobs in 2011.”

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