New reports about the next-generation iPad 3 are claiming it will have thinner and lighter batteries that will last longer but will be 30 percent more expensive than those found in the current iPad 2.

According to Taiwan Economic News, Apple has tapped two new suppliers for the iPad 3 batteries. Simply Technology and Dynapack International Technology, two Taiwanese companies, have been contracted to make the new batteries for Apple's iPad and MacBook lineup. They are the only suppliers who were able to meet the CTIA IEE 1625 standard for quality and safety.

The report also revealed that the iPad 3 is set to be mass-produced in the first quarter of 2012. The suppliers are to begin providing the lighter and thinner batteries in the fourth quarter of 2011 and are expected to earn record quarterly revenues should the deal push through.

Reports about the iPad 3 have previously said that Apple was already near the trial production phase for the hotly anticipated tablet. The device is expected to sport a high-resolution screen similar to the Retina Display found in the current generation of the iPhone. Who would supply that retina display has been the subject of speculation, with LG, Samsung and Sharp all having been rumored.

Displays and batteries aren't the only parts of the iPad techies have wondered about. The iPad 3's processor has also been talked about. The proprietary A6 mobile processor that's expected to power the iPad and the sixth generation iPhone has been rumored to be manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. to replace Samsung.

As usual, Apple has given no official statement about the iPad 3.