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Opera tells Apple, 'bring it' over Opera Mini for iPhone (video)

Opera Software submitted its mobile browser to the iPhone App Store this week, and Apple could very well reject it. In the meantime, we give you a taste of Opera running on the iPhone.

Jessica Dolcourt Senior Director, Commerce & Content Operations
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Expertise Content strategy, team leadership, audience engagement, iPhone, Samsung, Android, iOS, tips and FAQs.
Jessica Dolcourt
Watch this: Opera Mini 5 for iPhone

LAS VEGAS--Opera Software submitted its mobile proxy-based browser, Opera Mini 5, to the iPhone App Store this week, but whether Apple accepts Opera's proposed alternative to Safari is still up in the air.

Either verdict could benefit Opera's hand. If Apple accepts the browser, Opera wins and can begin making a name for itself on yet another mobile platform. If Apple rejects Opera Mini, Opera gets a chance to play the victim, perhaps setting the stage to mount a similar European antitrust claim against Apple as Opera did against Microsoft for its Internet Explorer browser several years back.

There's a high chance Apple could reject Opera Mini for iPhone, but Opera is poised for either eventuality. A Web page on Opera's site keeps a running tally of the days, hours, minutes, and seconds until Apple processes the submission, and Opera is taking guesses in a rather tongue-in-cheek contest for when exactly Apple will hand down its decision. Whatever happens, Opera clearly wants as many eyes on the proceedings as it can get.

Until we know either way, we give you a glimpse of what could be, our First Look video of Opera surfing on the iPhone.

Opera iPhone countup
Opera's timer for clocking how long it takes Apple to accept or reject Opera Mini for iPhone sends a clear message: "Bring it." Screenshot by Jessica Dolcourt/CNET