Apple told the FCC that it has not approved Google Voice for iPhone, as it appears to alter the iPhone’s distinctive user experience by replacing the phone’s core mobile telephone functionality and user interface with its own user interface for telephone calls, text messaging and voicemail.
Apple said in a statement: “Contrary to published reports, Apple has not rejected the Google Voice application, and continues to study it.”
The letter was in response to an inquiry by the FCC to seek information on Apple’s rejection of Google’s voice application for the iPhone.
Apple also stated that “the iPhone user’s entire contacts database is transferred to Google’s servers, and we have yet to obtain any assurances from Google that this data will only be used in appropriate ways. These factors present several new issues and questions to us that we are still pondering at this time.”
Apple has also confirmed that it is acting alone and has not consulted with AT&T about whether or not to approve the voice application.
Apple also stated that it’s agreement with AT&T obligates it “not to include functionality in any Apple phone that enables a customer to use AT&T’s cellular network service to originate or terminate a VoIP session without obtaining AT&T’s permission.”
AT&T has also said in a letter sent to the FCC, that it had no role in any decision by Apple to not accept the Google Voice application for inclusion in the Apple App Store. It stated: “AT&T was not asked about the matter by Apple at any time, nor did we offer any view one way or the other.
