Apple launches pre-emptive strike at Microsoft Surface Pro with 128GB iPad

Apple has unveiled a new 128GB iPad with Retina Display, hoping to cement control of the top-end tablet market ahead of the Microsoft Surface Pro's release.

Apple confirmed the 128GB tablet will be released on 5 February in both Wi-Fi and cellular models.

The new 128GB iPad is designed for use in the business, where storage capacity is a key requirement.

"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," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing.

"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 Wi-Fi-only model will cost £639, while the 4G model will cost a hefty £739.

The 128GB iPad's price, release date and enterprise focus put it in direct competition with Microsoft's forthcoming Windows 8 Pro Surface tablet. The 128GB Surface Pro tablet is set to launch on 9 February and retail for £570.

Like the 128GB iPad, the Surface Pro is an enterprise-focused device, running on Windows 8 Pro and coming equipped with a number of features like Digital Ink, which make it ideal for use by designers, artists and architects.

Outside of its upgraded storage, the 128GB iPad is set to have the same technical specifications as the iPad 4, featuring a 9.7in Retina display and running off of Apple's iOS 6.1 operating system.

Check back with V3 later for full reviews of the 128GB iPad and Microsoft Surface Pro.