Google Voice iPhone apps approved by Apple

Software accessing the Google Voice telephony service began appearing in the iPhone App Store on Sunday, reversing Apple's previous opposition to such applications.

Two Google Voice applications were accepted into the App Store on Sunday: GV Mobile + and GV Connect (iTunes links). Their acceptance marks the first time that Apple has allowed such software since it removed Google Voice apps in July of 2009.

Earlier this month, Sean Kovacs, the developer of GV Mobile +, indicated he had spoken with Apple, and representatives with the company indicated they would approve his software. The change in policy came after Apple published its App Store Review Guidelines for all to see.

Still not listed on the App Store, however, is Google's own official Google Voice application. It was the "non-rejection" of that software last year that caused a controversy and even led to an inquiry from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission.

In a letter to the FCC, Apple claimed that it was reviewing the official Google Voice application. The company said it had not outright rejected the software, but was instead considering it. Over a year passed, though, with no word on its official acceptance or rejection.

Google, on the other hand, said in its own letter to the FCC that Apple had outright "rejected" the Google Voice application from the App Store.

Sunday's new applications, however, would suggest that the search giant could once again submit its Google Voice application, and have it accepted into the App Store.

46 Comments

anantksundaram 20390 comments · 18 Years

About 14 years ago

Oh, Schmidt is being punished just a little bit, that's all.

aplnub 2385 comments · 20 Years

I purchased GV Mobile, not once, not even twice, but three times now. Apple really took a crap stance on this one. I guess once Android mobile devices start creeping up so tight that it makes you uncomfortable because of your choice to go with AT&T as the sole carrier for this long leads you to rethink at least some of what you did screwed up.

I think Steve said he didn't want to be rude at All Things Digital, so be nice Steve and approve the official Google Voice App. What is the big fracking deal here?

newtron 704 comments · 14 Years

Quote:

Originally Posted by AppleInsider In a letter to the FCC, Apple claimed that it was reviewing the official Google Voice application. The company said it had not outright rejected the software, but was instead considering it. Over a year passed, though, with no word on its official acceptance or rejection.

Yet another example of Apple playing fast and loose with reality. They should be prosecuted for obstruction of justice.

diddy 282 comments · 14 Years

Originally Posted by aplnub

I think Steve said he didn't want to be rude at All Things Digital, so be nice Steve and approve the official Google Voice App. What is the big fracking deal here?

I believe Google would probably have to re-submitted it since it has been so long. I don?t think google is that interested in an app anyway since they have the mobile optimized website.

smallwheels 584 comments · 14 Years

I can't get Google Voice in the capital city of Montana. Imagine that, the capital city of a state can't get an internet service like Google Voice. It is available in some other cities in the state. I just want to get it for using Googles phone service that allows people to make calls from their high speed internet connection.

If this app is approved would it allow the use of Google's calling service when it is available everywhere? If so then the iPod Touch and possibly the iPad can become phones. I don't like to carry around a laptop and I don't want to own a cell phone. Having an iPod capable of making calls occasionally would be helpful.