Apple to launch 128GB fourth generation iPad

APPLE have announced that they are to offer a new 128GB iPad - model than double the size of the current largest model.

The model will be largely the same as the current fourth generation iPad, launched in October of last year, but with increased storage.

Apple’s latest device will be released on Monday February 5, with a WiFi-only version retailing at £639 and the WiFi plus 4G model selling for £739.

This latest move by Apple takes its top of the range tablet in line with Microsoft’s forthcoming Surface Pro device, and well ahead of msot competing tablets.

Apple’s head of marketing, Philip Schiller, believes that the introduction of a new tablet will complement the existing market for tablet devices.

He said: “With more than 120 million iPads sold, it’s clear that customers around the world love their iPads, and everyday they are finding more great reasons to work, learn and play on their iPads rather than their old PCs.”

Apple generally releases new iPads in March but the fast-tracked launch of the new model, along with the iPads released in October of last year, implies that there won’t be a new iPad launched this spring.

There are rumours that Apple are planning an updated, fifth generation iPad and a second generation in their iPad mini line in October of this year. The changes are likely to be minimal, such as the introduction of a retina screen for the iPad mini and slight alterations to the overall design.

Most Apple customers will be most likely focused on the possibility of the iPhone 5S, slated for release at some pokint later this year as an update to last year’s iPhone 5.

The company are also planning to introduce a cheaper handset with a plastic case, aimed almost entirely at the Chinese market.