Apple Blocks Official Google Voice App and Removes GV Mobile

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Posted July 28, 2009 at 1:16am by iClarified

Apple has blocked the official Google Voice app from the App Store and removed all third party Google Voice apps as well.

In what can only be described as the most abhorring App Store decision so far, Apple has notified GV Mobile developer Sean Kovacs that his application is being pulled from the App Store.

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. He wouldn't send a confirmation email either - too scared I would post it. :) I'll see what I can do to get it back up there gang

GV Mobile was personally approved by Phil Schiller so clearly this duplicating features story is not the real reason.

TechCrunch has learned that Apple even rejected the official Google Voice application.

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.

This is not the first Google application to be rejected by Apple. Google Latitude was just recently released as a web app since Apple claimed users would get it confused with Google Maps.

We can't help but see the Apple/Google relationship souring a bit here. Google can't be happily spending money, time, and resources into developing iPhone apps only to have Apple reject them. Likewise, Apple probably isn't to happy to about the competition it receives from Android and soon Chrome OS.

Apple's ability to maintain a fair marketplace for the App Store seems to be seriously compromised. It's this type of action that validates the importance of the jailbreak community.

In this case it's likely that AT&T is behind the rejection and removal of Google Voice apps. It's also AT&T that refuses to allow apps such as Qik and demands other applications such as Skype and Sling be handicapped.

Apple must do a better job to ensure the App Store puts the customer first and remains fair and innovative.

Apple Blocks Official Google Voice App and Removes GV Mobile

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wraithdu - July 28, 2009 at 6:52pm

GV Mobile is now available for free through Cydia from the original developer. What a great giant middle finger to Apple :)

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Enrico - July 29, 2009 at 4:28am

It's not showing up in Cydia for me...

Wyzepro - July 28, 2009 at 8:23am

so what about the people that already paid a nice penny for the app?...screw em?....no more updates or support or anything eh?....real nice.....

Bogus - July 28, 2009 at 11:43am

Hahaha. Thats why you have the Jailbreak community and Applulous; Maybe Google should look into Cydia :D hahaha

Loki - July 28, 2009 at 6:25am

Isn't it funny that Microsoft get sued for including free apps with their OS yet Apple can do the same with no ill effect, and now can even prevent 3rd party comepetition being used.

ernstlustig - July 28, 2009 at 7:30am

They will be, but the mills of the European authorities are grinding slowly. The Skype issue (blocking of essential IP services) is already under investigation.

bakbone - July 30, 2009 at 10:04am

Well said brother. Hooray for Cydia. If it weren't for those guys I wouldn't hae bought this phone that I'm having. BTW GV mobile = Great app. Way to go Sean

ernstlustig - July 28, 2009 at 5:32am

Google has more power than Apple. Apple's fascistic policy will cost them market shares. The developer community is already moving away from Apple towards Chrome/Android. When the sexy apps are out on Chrome/Android first, who still wants iPhone? Apple, you make 35% of the profit with 5% of the market shares in mobile telephony! The AppStore jail will kill your profit as soon as there is an alternative.

Pete - July 28, 2009 at 3:15am

That's one of the resons why i will switch from iphone first gen to HTC Hero.

simon - July 28, 2009 at 8:21am

if you buy a hero you will be sorely disappointed its much slower than the 3gs the apps are poor the OS is less mature what more convincing do u need

Andrey - July 28, 2009 at 1:59am

Thanks for the news, posted in his Russian blog http://www.geo-iphones.ru/blog.php?user=Rocknrolla&blogentry_id=160

Jabreu - July 28, 2009 at 10:31am

I think it's time for the consumer community to have a say on how they are able to use their devices. Apple wants to play software police and at the same time try and control how other organizations distribute their software. The time has come for Apple to have to deal with a serious lawsuit. A class action lawsuit by the consumer on the grounds of anti- competitveness I think would open their eye.