Microsoft happy with new Office sans support for iPad: Ballmer

The possibility of Office for iOS has been under speculation for over a year but the release is still not certain with comments by Microsoft chief Steve Ballmer at yesterday's "new" Office 365 launch.

Ballmer told Bloomberg when asked about Office for the iPad, that he had nothing to say on the topic.

He told Bloomberg that Microsoft was very happy with the product it was putting in the market, adding that it made sense on the devices like the Mac and the PC.

He said the company had a way for people always to get to Office through the browser, which was very important.

The buzz about Office coming to iPads and iPhone in March 2013 had been around since late last year following Microsoft's Czech office announcing Office Mobile for Android and iOS, allowing owners of Apple devices to purchase a subscription to Office 365. In the meantime, the only tablet to feature Office is Microsoft's own Surface.

According to industry analysts, the fundamental issue said to be responsible for the delay in bringing Office to iOS is Microsoft's unwillingness to pay Apple's 30-per cent commission on apps sold through its App Store. All Things Digital reported last year that negotiations on the issue derailed Microsoft's plans to update its SkyDrive app for iOS last year.