It won't pass. It replicates a core function provided by Apple Safari.

Maybe, but announcing that it has been submitted before being accepted or denied will put the spotlight on Apple's decision. What the result would be I don't know, but it may bring attention to possible anti-competitive practices.

I agree. The fact that it will sit in the queue for selection will pressure Apple. It might get to the point where they abandon the censorship aspect as well. The only thing that should be block was if it reduced the security of the phones operating system.

I'd take a mobile Opera or mobile Firefox over Safari any day.

This should be in the apple section.

Not really - it’s a wider issue, and, yes, Apple is very much in the headlines over it’s policing and arbitrary selection of apps to go into the store, but Microsoft is apparently adopting similar tactics for Windows Mobile 7. The issue of what apps you are allowed to install on your phone (whatever flavour you choose) is one which is being hotly debated. Should there be a traffic cop on duty letting one in, and keeping others out, or should it be a free for all?

Apple, and no doubt Microsoft, cite security and stability as the main reasons for manually checking every app, and whilst that works, there is also the problem that they seem at times to be somewhat curiously selective in what they allow in.

Opera is an interesting one - if it’s allowed in, then it opens the doors for other mobile browsers - Firefox for example. It will set a precedent. IF it’s NOT allowed in, the Opera may approach the EU and make a complaint. If that happens, and Apple have to allow other browsers on their phone, then the same rule will have to apply to other apps which have been rejected because they replicate core functionality. Letting Opera on may be a way for Apple to control this situation.

It’s going to be an interesting one to watch - and one that I am sure Microsoft will be keeping their beady eyes on too.

Given the way Opera have complained in the past, I don't think there's any 'may' about it. They'll complain to the rooftops.

In the same way all the other stories about non-Apple software should be in the PC section?

I don't know. Not using multi-touch pinch/anti-pinch gestures for scaling/zooming would be something I really missed.

Seems fair enough. Although to be fair it depends on the impact of the story, ie the release of the ipad was newsworthy (albeit for all the wrong reasons) whereas this perhaps small fry by comparison.

Opera knew, when they signed up for the developer programme, that building a browser would be a non-starter as it is in the terms of the license for developing for the iPhone, that they won't accept such programs.

This seems to be Opera in full Don Quixote mode...

Having used all three regularly, I'd take Safari every time. Fennec on Windows Mobile was horrendous - no wonder Mozilla have abandoned development of mobile Firefox for Windows Mobile.

Opera was a lot better, but Safari is still in a different league.