While we wait for streaming music service Spotify's iPhone app to get approved, we have news that Apple has banned all Google Voice related iPhone apps including Google's official Google Voice application from the App Store.
Apple has rejected the iPhone apps as they are duplicating features that are already available on the iPhone such as Dialer, SMS etc.
“Richard Chipman from Apple just called – he told me they’re removing GV Mobile from the App Store due to it duplicating features that the iPhone comes with (Dialer, SMS, etc). He didn’t actually specify which features, although I assume the whole app in general.”
Other iPhone apps such as Voice Central and GVDialer have also been removed from the App Store for the same reason.
Even Google's Voice application was rejected by Apple as per this statement by Google to GigaOM:
"We work hard to bring Google applications to a number of mobile platforms, including the iPhone. Apple did not approve the Google Voice application we submitted six weeks ago to the Apple App Store. We will continue to work to bring our services to iPhone users, for example by taking advantage of advances in mobile browsers."
According to John Gruber of Daring Fireball it looks like the real reason for rejecting the iPhone apps is due to pressure from AT&T.
"Well, so much for my speculation. A reliable little birdie has informed me that it was indeed AT&T that objected to Google Voice apps for the iPhone. It’s that simple."
That might be possible as these iPhone apps give you features for free such as ability to send and receive free SMS, place free calls in the US, for which AT&T charges its customers.
However, OM Malik of GigaOM Network doesn't agree:
"Some allege that Apple is doing this at AT&T’s behest. That is just flat-out wrong: If it were true, then Google Voice would be banned on BlackBerry devices that use AT&T as well. As of this morning, everything is working fine on my AT&T-connected Bold (except for the usual dropped calls, of course). And are people forgetting that you need AT&T’s voice network to send and receive Google Voice calls?"
It makes sense but we have seen AT&T putting pressure on Apple to restrict the SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone to work only over Wi-Fi and not over iPhone's data connection, which is possible on other mobile devices such as BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, Palm OS, or Symbian smartphones.
The important thing to note here is that AT&T has more control over the approval of iPhone apps on the App Store via Apple, which they don't have with other smartphones so I am leaning towards AT&T being the reason behind the rejection of Google Voice related iPhone apps.
Anyways, we will keep you posted on this developing story so stay tuned here at iPhone Hacks.
Please drop us a line to tell us what you think in the comments section below.
[via GigaOM, Daring Fireball]
AT & T is being unfair & their service sucks
You say their service "sucks" but under what conditions? 3G isn't available everywhere just like all companies. Service overall also isn't available everywhere either, but all companies have that problem. AT&T is trying to create a monopoly, but that does not mean that they suck.
What about all of us that aren't in the US? Can't Apple approve apps for everyone else?
Apparently, all of these "dropped calls" must occur in California…Cnet constantly reviews phones for AT&T stating poor service and dropped calls…I'm not sure if it has occurred to any of these people that many different markets have widely varying service abilities…I started Law School in Jacksonville, FL (largest US city based on land mass, google it) and I had 3g everywhere…Now I live in Indiana, near Chicago, i have exceptional, 3g coverage from NW Indiana, to Wisconsin…I never use wi-fi there is no point…but all of these reviewers, based in other locations….Sucks to be you, but remember, service may be different than it is in your back yard, or at your Mom's house….
sorry to say,
but they do SUCK. AT&T is almost WORTHLESS compared to other companies around the world.
but…yes in the US. if u want a gsm phone…well i guess u dont really have much of a choice.
Fucking AT & T must be swallowed by MicroSoft.
Fuckin dirty mother fuckin company AT & T.
I still hae GV app hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
Unlocked to use T Mobile
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
I install Windows 7 on my McBook Hahahahahahahahahahah
In the future Mac will be considered as Mc
what BigMc hhahahahahahahahahahahahah
Steve Jobs…..Still Alive?
Hahahahahahahahahahahaha
I don't understand why Google doesn't release their apps via Cydia? Just circumvent apple all together. They could release both location and GV. Or work with an outside developer to post them.
I don't understand what hold AT&T have over Apple. Surely Apple should just let all the carriers buy iPhones and screw AT&T? It's not like AT&T are going to say no we don't want the iPhone is it?
iPhone is become addiction for users and this craze is pushing iTune to promote their business and get more bucks. I am not sure why they are not supporting Google Voice on App store where on the other hand they are adding hundreds of new apps on store, iWound was one of them which i have purchased, its an art & fashion mag and superb app. AT&T and iTune should not make it an issue.
Well… GV is already on Cydia
we want freedom to choose
android let the cat out of the bag
apple we love your innovation and iphone but
you need to let that leopard out now
in all history freedom wins eventually
choose or lose???
no it's not
This app is available on Cydia now
Yes it is. And for free.
http://modmyi.com/cydia/package.php?id=10536
It's AT&T who ordered to pull ALL google voice apps, get your facts straight.
"in all history?"
I've got one word…
China.
http://modmyi.com/cydia/package.php?id=10536
Look at it this way if Apples refuses applications then post to cydia then even more reason to jailbreak just to get good applications that make the iPhone even better.
Google should just pull their map services on the iPhone, and all their other apps. Then sue apple for letting the 100s of other dialers and free txt apps to exist when they wouldn't allow theirs. They could probably settle for 1/3 control over apple.
One of the biggest benefit of webapps is no installation required. There are thousand of webapps and I have made a webapp to search all iphone apps easily on iphone. The application list is updated daily from Apple website. It includes all apps approved and rejected by Apple. It is designed specially to use on the iphone so that you can get the application you want instantly.
If you are rejected by Apple to list your application, you can submit your iphone webapps at http://ipoh.blogdns.com/. It is 100% free and searchable. Please make an introduction to your work at the forum.
All are welcome!