For the first time an alternative browser has been released for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Opera Mini 5 has been approved by Apple for the App Store, while many doubted if it would be approved.

Apple has one of the most strict approval processes, which for instance blocks Flash, Java and competitive products (such as a mail alternative) because it creates confusion. However Opera Mini 5 was approved, which seems a little bit strange. Did Opera Software somehow threaten Apple or is Opera Mini 5 simply much more different compared to Safari Mobile?

Opera Mini 5 offers standard features like tab support, but also favorite Opera specific features like Speed Dial, an address field with auto-completion, and of course Opera Link for all your syncing abilities. The biggest differentiator is no doubt Opera Turbo, which according to Opera Software should introduce some steep speed improvements in downloading and rendering web pages.

As with all iPhone OS applications, you can find it in the App Store on your iDevice or .