Microsoft Word has jumped to the top of the Apple Store free app chart, after releasing an iPad version of its Office software.New chief executive Satya Nadella announced the move at his debut launch event.
Within hours Word, Excel, Powerpoint were the top-ranking free apps and allow users to read documents.
However for users who want to create and edit items an Office 365 subscription is required.
The UK Office 365 Home subscription costs a third more in the UK than in the United States.
The British price is set at £79.99 but the app costs just $99.99 (£60) in the US.
Microsoft’s OneNote was ranked number four in the chart, allowing auto-cropping of whiteboards and document photographs.
A significant number of iPad users have grumbled previously about not being able to use Microsoft’s signature software on Apple’s flagship tablets.
Mr Nadella said he hoped it helped people “to be productive across all devices”.
“We are taking great focus and great care to make sure Office on any device shines through.”
It is now expected Microsoft will speed up future releases of app versions for other mobile computing devices.
The company’s former CEO Steve Ballmer released an iPhone version of the Office suite last year.
Industry analysts expect there to be near parity this year between tablets and the PC/laptop market, at around 275 million in both sectors.
More than half of Microsoft’s operating profit, around £10bn, has come from the Office suite on the back of a resurgent business sector requiring its software.