People who take up Apple's eagerly anticipated iPad will not be able to use an iPhone for internet tethering, it has been suggested.

Register reports that Swedish technology blog Slashat has been told by Apple's Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs that a Wi-Fi-only version of the table device will not be able to make use of its sister device's 3G connection.

Tethering allows consumers to use a smartphone as a mobile broadband dongle which can get a laptop or similar device online.

However, the latest decision from Apple suggests that consumers need a separate dongle or MiFi unit to access the web, which potentially hints that the iPad could be bundled with such systems when it launches in the UK.

The iPad will be available to pre-order in the US later this week, with prices starting at $499 (£328).

It is expected to launch on this side of the Atlantic in late April.