Messaging app LINE was launched for the iPad, in the latest move by the company behind the service to broaden its user base and add new functionality.

The messaging service has been available for PCs since 2012 and LINE Corp clearly decided that the iPad, with 36 per cent of the tablet market in 2013, was the best device on which to bring its app to the larger form factor.

“By adding support for the recently expanding iPad user market, users can now use LINE on more devices than ever, allowing for a much broader scope of use for the app,” the company said in a statement.

The iPad app is designed as a “sub-device” for the smartphone version, according to LINE Corp, with users unable to create new accounts on the new version. In addition, the iPad version doesn’t support voice or video calls –  messaging is the only communications feature available.

The iPad version of LINE is optimised for the larger screen and the company said its introduction for the Apple tablet means users won’t need to swap devices when taking part in conversations while browsing the internet or viewing content.

A raft of new services were launched for the LINE platform earlier this month with the Japanese company’s CEO suggesting that the business was focusing on growth, rather than the previously-rumoured IPO.

LINE said it now has 560 million registered users globally, with 170 million monthly active users. LINE generated JPY18.2 billion ($169 million) in revenue for the second quarter, a 146 per cent increase on a year earlier.