The approval of a rival internet browsing application for Apple’s iPhone and iPod Touch could signal a sea change in the firm’s approach to third-party application developers, according to an expert.
Joe Minihane, blogging for Top10.com, said that the confirmation that Opera will be released to iPhone handset users could see other developers attempt to bring out applications to improve the device.
"Unlike Safari, Opera compresses web pages on its own servers, meaning it can deliver full pages quicker than Apple’s own browser," he stated.
Mr Minihane stated that Opera is ideal for EDGE-based, 2G phones, which shows that Apple is trying to give something back to iPhone owners with older models.
The expert also stated that the approval of Opera could signal that Apple has another browser up its sleeve, with Safari set to undergo a "much-needed" upgrade when the next iPhone hits the shelves.
Furthermore, Skyfire, another mobile browser developer, has confirmed that it wishes to release its own programme for the iDevices.