Apple relaxes rules on Google Voice apps

Apple is once again admitting apps built around Google Voice into its App Store, after a high-profile stand-off.

Last summer, Apple hastily ejected a series of apps built on Google’s VoIP service from the iPhone App Store. Google Voice allows users to make cheap long-distance calls, potentially upsetting Apple’s telephone network partners.

At the time, Apple insisted it hadn’t rejected Google Voice apps, but was merely putting them under review. Apple’s stance nonetheless attracted the attention of the US Federal Communications Commission, which launched an investigation into the matter.

Now Apple appears to have relented. The company reportedly approached Google Voice developer Sean Kovacs last week, and told him that his app would be considered favourably if he decided to resubmit.

GV Mobile + now appears on the App Store, priced at £1.79.

However, there is a notable caveat for UK buyers. “While this app is for sale in your country, you will not be able to make calls from your phone (without an advanced setup),” the GV Mobile + page states, without further explanation. “You can still send SMS and other stuff using your Google Voice account with this application.”

The move follows Apple’s recent decision to relax the rules on development of iPhone apps in general, with developers now permitted to create software using third-party development tools.