THE Straits Times launched a new iPhone application on Monday.

It will allow mobile readers to access all the latest breaking news stories as they are published on the free StraitsTimes.com website through a free download available via Apple's iTunes programme.

After being listed in the Singapore AppStore over the weekend, the ST iPhone application is already top in the 'news' category two days after being offered in the Singapore AppStore. Overall, it is currently the second 'Top Free Applications'.

The Straits Times decided it is now the right time to launch an application for the mobile device as it has achieved critical mass in the Singapore market.

'The iPhone is now popular with Singaporeans and we always go where the readers are,' said The Straits Times Digital Technology Editor Yeong Ah Seng.

Early reviewers have posted positive comments at the Apple iTunes store. Studio57 wrote: 'Always enjoyed reading this paper. Now it's made easier since it's on my iPhone.'

The Straits Times will continue its efforts to engage the online community and its mobile readers in 2009.

It re-launched the StraitsTimes.com website last August to offer more breaking news free to its Internet readers.

It also offers a subscription-based product, ST Digital that provides the day's print edition of the newspaper online through three channels: A website separate from the free site, a newspaper-lookalike e-paper and a downloadable e-reader programme.

Do email your feedback to stonline@sph.com.sg.

UPDATE: The Straits Times iPhone application is now version 2.0.