Apple Shoulders Blame For “Rejecting” Google Voice App, Drop AT&T In The Near Future?

Today, AT&T responded to the FCC inquiry into the rejection of the Google Voice app in Apple’s App store. AT&T claimed they had nothing to do with the Google Voice app getting rejected. Guess how Apple responded? They also denied rejecting the Google Voice App, but added they’re still looking into the application because it replaces the iPhone’s core mobile functionality and doesn’t want the Google Voice app to replace the iPhone’s interface.

AT&T didn’t come out and say Apple rejected the Google Voice app or any other app for that matter, but hinted it was Apple’s fault. Apple in this case didn’t throw AT&T under the bus, but instead is making an excuse for “rejecting” the Google Voice application by saying they’re still reviewing it aka we’re telling you we’re reviewing it so you can leave us the heck alone.

Apple claims they don’t want the Google Voice app to replace their core phone functionality but let’s be real, what difference does it make to them? They’re not providing the wireless service, nor should they really care about text messages, calls or voicemails. Apple’s core business for the iPhone are the apps, the iPod, and hardware, not the phone part of it. Another reason given was that Google contacts syncing with the iPhone might up being a security risk for Apple but has Apple forgotten that iTunes allows Google contact to sync with the iPhone? Care to explain that, Apple?

So, did Apple act alone in the Google Voice app rejection or is AT&T behind it, but denying it? Apple answered that by saying they did not consult with AT&T when it came to “rejecting” the Google Voice app, that they make the final decisions in rejecting or approving an app.

If Apple did the “rejecting” without AT&T in their ears, which is seems like it, then we have to blame Apple for making an excuse and reprimand them for rejecting the app. But even that answer has to be taken with a grain of salt. Right after claiming they did not consult with AT&T over the Google Voice app, Apple responded to a TechCrunch question by saying they do take into consideration concerns AT&T has about apps that could potentially congest AT&T’s network.

It seems like all the blame is falling on Apple but if AT&T did have some say (and are denying it), then don’t expect Apple to stick around with AT&T. Apple won’t take blame for something they didn’t do. AT&T needs Apple more than Apple needs AT&T, any right minded person can see that. Apple can go to any carrier and say “we want you”, the carriers will sign on the dotted line, no questions asked.

Let’s see how it all turns out, but don’t expect AT&T and Apple to continue their partnership after 2010. That might not be such a bad thing for current and potential iPhone users.