Everything else about Apple’s tablet is the same, including the dual-core A6X processor, 2 gigabtyes of RAM, and 10 hours of battery life.

To account for the added storage space, the 128 GB Wi-Fi model will now cost $799, while the LTE model will cost $929.

To offer some differentiation from its other iPads — which start at $329 for the iPad mini — Apple is targeting the new model primarily at professional users, including those in the architectural and medical fields who handle large files. Gamers, movie fans and avid magazine readers are also likely to appreciate the extra storage space.

The abrupt release marks a shift in how Apple (AAPL, Fortune 500) is updating the iPad. Instead of rolling out new iPads once a year or so, as it does with iPhones and iPods, Apple is now treating the iPad more like its Mac line, releasing incremental updates to existing models. (Tech blogs began publishing leaked reports about the new iPad two days ago.)

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Read also:

Apple announces 128GB iPad with retina display (Washington Post)

iPad 4 With 128GB: Apple Unveils Its Biggest Tablet Yet (Huffington Post)

Apple Adds 128-GB iPad Starting At $ 799 (InformationWeek)

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