Apple, the lean mean app-rejecting machine, is at it again. Just yesterday we published an article about GV Mobile, an unofficial (but great) Google Voice iPhone app by Sean Kovacs, being kicked out of the App Store (after receiving approval from Phil Schiler himself). Now, a Google representative has stated in an interview with Tech Crunch that an official Google Voice iPhone app was rejected from the App Store six weeks ago.
The app was denied because it offers free text messaging, gives competitive rates on international calls, and threatens the necessity of multiple phone numbers. Ah, why would Apple care, you ask? They wouldn't…AT&T would. There is no doubt in my mind that this app was denied because of AT&T's influence on Apple. Also, this explains why Sean Kovacs' unofficial app got kicked out…if Google themselves were denied, he should be too.
This is yet another bout in the developer vs. Apple battle, and surprise surprise: Apple wins again. Recently, Apple denied another Google iPhone application, called Google Latitude (an app which allows you to see where you're friends are on a Map, just like Loopt). Google, however, came right back at Apple by releasing a Google Latitude web app (http://www.google.com/latitude/intro.html).
Google plans to do the same for Google Voice. In an interview with Tech Crunch, a Google spokesman said:
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.
It's nice to see that Google realizes the potential in the Mobile Safari (it can do a lot more than you think). While webapps are great, it's still unfortunate to see that Apple must exclude such fantastic apps simply because of AT&T. C'mon AT&T, you're ruining all our fun. No MMS, no tethering, no Google Voice. What's next…no service? Oh wait…
Accessories & Apps: Beta Testers Wanted
iOS Firmware/IPSW Download Guide
Legacy iTunes Download Archive
App Store Top Charts
iPhone and Android Resale Value Charts
USA iPhone Carrier Plans Compared
Complete iPhone Jailbreaking Guide 
Complete iPhone Specification Matrix 
“While webapps are great, it’s still unfortunate to see that Apple must exclude such fantastic apps simply because of AT&T.”
Apple is a big boy and should put its foot down. I’m pretty sure AT&T needs Apple more than the other way around.
I don’t think it is matter of who needs whom.
I think Apple has some deal to keep AT&T making money, in turns, Apple gets kick back. otherwise, no kick back etc.
All carries will be doing the same. It is just iPhone is the only platform ever open up with huge audiances. Like BlackBerry didn’t get as much traction.
All about money and greed. You remember local phone companies have huge legal battle over VOIP and cable company offering phone service. It is the battle that consumers usually lose unless higher power make a change. Who control the higher power? Big cooperation it is.