Apple removes Google Voice-based apps from the App Store

TechCrunch reports that Apple has removed GV Mobile from the App Store. Developer Sean Kovacs wrote on his blog that Apple removed his application citing the fact that it “duplicates features that come with the iPhone."

And that's only the beginning, Apple has also removed all other Google Voice (formerly Grand Central)-based apps including GrandVoice and Voice Central.

A Google Spokesperson tells TechCrunch that Apple denied its official Google Voice app that was submitted to the App Store six weeks ago. Google has official apps available for BlackBerry and Android.

It's pretty obvious that AT&T is behind the Google Voice ban on the iPhone because the app is a potential game-changer and AT&T is scared silly of it. It allows people to call you on your GV number (regardless of which carrier you are using), send free SMS messages and get cheap long-distance too -- all big time threats to AT&T's iPhone cash cow.