Amazon has released a version of its Kindle electronic reader for Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch.

The application is available free from the Apple App Store, and includes the ability to access over 240,000 books online from the Amazon store. Users will not be able to buy directly from the Apple device, however.

"We are excited to bring the new Kindle application to Apple's App Store, and think customers are going to love how easy and fun it is to read their Kindle books on the iPhone and iPod touch," said Ian Freed, vice president of Amazon Kindle.

"Kindle for iPhone and iPod Touch is a great way for customers to catch up on their current book wherever they are, like in line at the grocery store or between meetings."

The reader supports the Kindle's multi-touch controls, and also allows the user to synchronise their bookmarks if they have a standalone Kindle reader.

Amazon launched a new version of Kindle last month. The company is not releasing sales figures, but said in its annual results that demand was strong.