On the heels of Office for iPad's introduction, Microsoft on Thursday dropped subscription requirements for the iPhone version of its productivity suite.
While most media attention was spent on Microsoft's Office for iPad debut, the company also updated its Office Mobile app for iPhone, making the software free for home use. The price drop also applies to the app's Android version.
The update's release notes, which only list free pricing for home use and bug fixes as changes, suggest Microsoft will continue to require Office 365 subscriptions for businesses using the mobile software. Current fees are set at $99 per year or monthly installments of $9.99.
Microsoft's decision to remove Office Mobile's subscription restrictions follows a trend from competitors like Apple, which in September made the iWork for iOS suite free with a new iOS device purchase. Google also has a free set of mobile apps, including QuickOffice for Android.
Microsoft Office Mobile weighs in at 49.2MB and is free to download from the iOS App Store.