Apple today announced a 128GB version of the fourth generation iPad, which boasts a Retina display and with double the maximum storage.
Apple will now offer a 128GB iPad 4 with Retina display. (Credit: Apple)

Rumors began to swirl last week that the Cupertino, Calif.-based technology giant would dish out a new tablet with increased storage capacity, but it was thought on the most part that the device would be rolled out during the March refresh of tablets—or that the rumors were bunk.

Instead, Apple took to the wires to announce the new tablet today, which complements the existing 16GB, 32GB and 64GB tablets in the iPad 4 range.

It also comes a day after Apple released the latest version of its mobile operating system, iOS 6.1, which includes support for the 128GB storage model, further support for more 4G LTE markets including Nordic states and Middle Eastern countries, and a range of security fixes.

Apple vice president of marketing Phil Schiller said in prepared remarks:

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. 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.”

Apple focused on the enterprise market in its announcement this morning to note that 85 percent of the Fortune 500 companies are currently deploying or testing the tablet. The firm noted that many companies are "regularly utilizing large amounts of data such as 3D CAD files, X-rays, film edits, music tracks, project blueprints, training videos and service manuals," and that the increased storage capacity would benefit these industries.

On a security note, the iPad has one of the greatest mobile device management (MDM) feature sets, allowing enterprises and businesses to lock down the device, enabling the highest level of security.

The new 128GB iPad 4 model will be available in black and white from February 5. The Wi-Fi version of the tablet will cost $799, while Wi-Fi + Cellular will cost $929, an 15 percent and 12 percent increase respectively on the previously highest storage capacity devices.

http://www.zdnet.com/apple-dishes-out-128gb-ipad-available-early-february-7000010487/?s_cid=e539