Does this open the floodgates for rival browsers to hit the App Store?
Count us shocked: Apple has approved the Opera Mini browser for distribution on its App Store.
Opera announced the news earlier this morning, and its browser is already available as a free download on the App Store.
Despite the company's bullish words since unveiling Opera Mini for iPhone earlier this year, it's been widely assumed that Apple would stick to its policy of barring apps that duplicate native functionality of the iPhone.
This seemingly is not the case, at least for browsers. Which may encourage other mobile browser firms like Mozilla, Skyfire and Bolt to follow Opera onto iPhone.
Opera says its browser will compress data by up to 90% for iPhone users, giving them a noticeable speed boost particularly when stuck on Edge data connections. The company is also targeting roamers, promising to save them money.
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"We are delighted to offer iPhone and iPod touch users a great browsing experience with the Opera Mini App," says CEO Lars Boilesen.
