128GB iPad 4 on the way

Apple is apparently working on a new storage variant for the iPad which will boast a massive 128GB of onboard space.

The news comes from 9to5Mac, which cites its own unnamed sources for the information.

The report is quite specific that this new model is nothing to do with the iPad 5, it's not a new generation, it's an expansion of the current-generation iPad 4 family and will sit alongside the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models already in circulation.

Other device features will remain unchanged, it'll come in the same black or white colour variants, the same Wi-Fi only or Cellular options and same processor, display and camera.

The rumour is supported by recent reports that iOS 6.1 beta developers found code suggesting support for 128GB devices, and the same evidence was also seen in iTunes 11.

The 128GB iPad will of course be a premium model and is priced accordingly, reportedly this will mean $799 (£508) for the Wi-Fi only version and $929 (£591) for 3G/4G models.

It makes sense for Apple to offer higher-level storage options to compete with some of the new Windows 8-based hardware with larger capacities.

This could also be a preliminary move to test the market ahead of the launch of the iPad 5 and as both Apple and other industry players expand the linked devices concept with things like Apple TV, more onboard storage is always going to be useful, particularly as iDevices don't take microSD cards.