Apple’s surprise iPad unveiling: 128GB fourth-generation model to be released next week

In a surprise move, Apple has unveiled a mid-cycle addition to its product line, revealing an upgraded 128-gigabyte version of its fourth-generation iPad will be available from next Tuesday.

The new 128GB iPad with Wi-Fi and 4G/LTE models will provide twice the storage capacity of current 64GB models.

In its press release, Apple cites growing business demand as a key reason for the upgrade, particularly in niches such as computer-aided design (CAD), claiming that “virtually all” of the Fortune 500 and more than 85% of the Global 500 are currently deploying or testing the iPad.

“With more than 120 million iPads sold, it’s clear that customers around the world love their iPads, and every day they are finding more great reasons to work, learn and play on their iPads rather than their old PCs,” says Apple’s senior vice-president of worldwide marketing, Philip Schiller.

“With twice the storage capacity and an unparalleled selection of over 300,000 native iPad apps, enterprises, educators and artists have even more reasons to use iPad for all their business and personal needs.”

The new iPad will be available in Australia on Tuesday, February 5, with a recommended retail price of $869 for wi-fi and $1009 for the 4G/LTE version.

This article was first published on LeadingCompany’s sister site, SmartCompany.