Apple has reportedly already started production of its next-generation iPad 3 tablet. Bloomberg

It's January, and that means it's time to ramp up the iPad rumors to full frenzy mode. Japanese rumor site Macotakara, which has been surprisingly accurate when it comes to speculation about upcoming iPads, says that the next-generation iPad is now in production in anticipation of a release in March, 2012.

Chinese manufacturer Foxconn is growing again, with recent reports stating that the company is doubling the size of one of its production lines in order to keep up with production for current and future Apple products.

"Designed by Apple in California" -- you'll find that on virtually every Apple product.

"Designed by Apple in California" -- you'll find that on virtually every Apple product. While it's well-known that the brains of Apple's outfit are indeed housed in California, it's almost as well-known that Apple's products are almost wholly manufactured overseas. Indeed, Apple has been a target of criticism in the past because of how much it relies upon labor outside the US.

"Designed by Apple in California" -- you'll find that on virtually every Apple product. While it's well-known that the brains of Apple's outfit are indeed housed in California, it's almost as well-known that Apple's products are almost wholly manufactured overseas. Indeed, Apple has been a target of criticism in the past because of how much it relies upon labor outside the US.

Apple’s manufacturing partners are expected to build 2 million iPhone 3GS handsets in the fourth quarter. Thursday of this week marked exactly two and a half years since Apple unveiled the iPhone 3GS during its Worldwide Developer Conference in June 2009.