Apple Extends Web Browser to Windows

Apple's fortunes have surged in recent years as it has opened up its products to non-Mac users. Previously, Apple made its iPod media player and iTunes Store compatible with Windows, introducing Apple's touch to millions more computer users.

The slickness of its gadget designs notwithstanding, the key to Apple's success and reputation for ease of use is its software and how well it integrates with its hardware.

"There are a lot of connections between our products and here's one more," Apple senior vice president of worldwide marketing Phil Schiller said of the Windows version of Safari. "And the more people who like our applications, the more it might mean they'll buy other products from us."

The strategy is apparently paying off. Mac sales have grown significantly over the past two years, pushing its slice of the PC market in the United States from 3.5 percent in 2004 to 4.9 percent in 2006, according to IDC, a market research firm.

If Safari wins over more users of Windows-based machines, the iPhone could also become more appealing.

Jobs' announcement Monday of Safari on the iPhone essentially guarantees developers that any Web-based applications they build for Safari will also be accessible and compatible with the gadget.

"What we've got here is the most innovative browser in the world and the most powerful browser in the world," Jobs said during his keynote speech at the annual conference.

Safari, which was released a few years ago for Apple's Macintosh computers, has captured about 5 percent of the world's market share for Internet browsers with more than 18 million users, Jobs said.

"We'd like to grow Safari's market share," he said.

Microsoft's Internet Explorer is the predominant browser with a 78 percent share, while Firefox has rapidly climbed to gain about 15 percent of the market, he said.

Jobs claimed Safari performs twice as fast as its competitors.

Separately, three people familiar with negotiations between Apple and Hollywood studios told The Associated Press on Monday that Apple planned to launch an online movie rental service by the fall.

The people spoke on the condition of anonymity because the talks were ongoing.

Apple representatives declined to comment, citing the company's policy to not discuss rumors and speculation.

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AP Business Writer Gary Gentile in Los Angeles contributed to this report.