Apple co-founder Steve Jobs famously said of iTunes being made available to Windows users: “It’s like giving a glass of ice water to somebody in hell.”
While Bill Gates, Microsoft’s co-founder, may have fumed at his rival’s putdown – made onstage during an AllThingsD conference at which they would later the same day be interviewed together – today, he will no doubt smile at the news that Office 365 is now available in the Mac App Store.
While Office applications have long been available to Mac users, going back beyond the days when Jobs controversially stood in front of the Mac faithful and announced that Microsoft was investing in a then ailing Apple – to the very beginnings of both companies – their appearance as a bundle in the App Store is certainly something to behold.
“We are excited to welcome Microsoft Office 365 to the all new Mac App Store in macOS Mojave,” said Phil Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing in a statement.
“Apple and Microsoft have worked together to bring great Office productivity to Mac users from the very beginning. Now, with Office 365 on the Mac App Store, it’s easier than ever to get the latest and best version of Office 365 for Mac, iPad and iPhone.”
Paul Thurott, technology journalist and co-host of the podcast Windows Weekly, said: “Honestly, as ironic as this is, I am not going to complain.”