Google has hit a mile marker today, with reports that its Chrome browser has exceeded Safari for the first time. Reaching nearly 9% of the browser market, Chrome has finally won out over Safari. That takes Google to the number 3 spot for internet browser preferences, after Internet Explorer and Firefox in first and second place respectively.

The fact that Chrome managed to grow almost 10% since launch two years ago is also adding fuel to the Google-Apple war for dominating the mobile market’s consumer access to the web. The report was released by StatCounter’s research arm, Global Stats, this week.

While Safari has seen recent updates, it still hasn’t been enough of a focal point for Apple to fully contend with Chrome’s growth. Chrome is getting aggressive with its open-source appeal, making a big draw for programs like Flash that meet more resistance in the Apple Camp. Flock‘s decision to port its social web browser to Chrome’s platform over Mozilla’s also indicates that developer faith is building around Google.

That foundation will come in handy, as Google looks to the future of the Chrome browser. Google recognizes the many interfaces it creates for accessing users, across the computer and cell phone. Increasing branding efforts around these access points has come in the way of custom themes and other campaigns, similar to how Coca Cola familiarized itself with aspects of our everyday lives.

Google has already announced its plans to centralize many of its other initiatives around the Chrome platform interface, including Google TV. Apple has the potential to play out a similar leveraging technique, using Safari as its own, more controlled point of access for dedicated consumers. This is likely to be what Apple moves towards, as it will need to pool more of its cross-platform products and partners to work in tandem.