Apple Inc.’s suppliers have started manufacturing new iPads, according to people with knowledge of the matter, as the company works to reinvigorate sales of the tablet computers after two straight quarters of declines.

Mass production of a full-sized iPad with a 9.7-inch screen is already under way, with an unveiling projected for the end of this quarter or early next, said two of the people, who asked not to be identified because the details aren’t public. A new version of the 7.9-inch iPad mini is also entering production and will probably be available by the end of the year, they said.

The timing is crucial as Apple ramps up a new product push for the lucrative end-of-year holiday shopping season. The lineup is anticipated to include new iPhones with bigger screens, as well as a health-oriented watch-like device, people with knowledge of the matter have said. The Cupertino, California-based company is holding an event on Sept. 9 to debut the new iPhones, people familiar with the situation have said. Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook last month said Apple has an “incredible pipeline” that “we can’t wait to show you.”

Trudy Muller, a spokeswoman for Apple, declined to comment.

Apple especially needs to boost its iPad business, which is its second-biggest product category after iPhones. For Apple’s fiscal third quarter ended June 28, iPad sales slipped to 13.3 million units. (Bloomberg)