Facebook is close to launching a version of its Messenger chat application for Apple's iPad, new reports have shown.

The 9to5Mac website has taken a look at the Beta version of the messenger app, which has also appeared on 
iPhone and Android, and has detailed screenshots to back it up.

Messenger for iPad is "basically a larger version of the iPhone application" according to the site, bringing the same one-on-one chatting functionality outside of the main app, while allowing users to see their friends' locations on a map. Of course, pop-up notifications are also on board.

The launch would follow Facebook's pattern of launching for iPhone and Android platforms before expanding to the iPad. It took the company 18 months to launch an iPad-specific app.

Meanwhile, the report also claims Facebook is about to bring its Skype video-call hook up to the iPhone version of messenger, allowing free chatting on the go with Facebook friends.

Of course, that functionality is already available through Facetime, Skype itself and other third party apps, but this would allow for greater interaction with Facebook-only contacts.