What’s That I Hear? Office For iPad?

Evidence is growing that an iPad version of Microsoft Office will be available, but Microsoft is determined to save that touch-friendly experience for its own Windows devices.

Speaking prior to leaving Microsoft, former CEO, Steve Ballmer confirmed the existence of Office for iPad but immediately stressed that the company has no intention of allowing it to land on a competing platform first.

“iPad will be picked up when there’s a touch-first user interface,” Ballmer remarked, suggesting that Office for Windows will be where the new version will make its premiere.

According to Microsoft insiders, that sentiment appears to have been echoed by Chief Operating Officer B. Kevin Turner, who recently proclaimed the company’s intention to “own the productivity experience across all devices.”

That means that despite the huge demand for Office for iPad is still not being met and that the only way Apple users can access Office is via an iPhone-only app that requires and annual subscription to use.

For now, “touch-first” appears to also mean “Windows first,” but Microsoft isn’t giving any indication of how soon that initiative might land in the waiting hands (and fingers) of users.

Have a look at our iPad leasing here…