Google has brought its Google Voice service back as a web app, circumventing Apple's approval process in a move likely to fire up tensions between the rival companies.
Users of iPhone OS 3.0 and higher and Palm Web OS devices can now use Google Voice via, software engineer Michael van Ouwerkerk said in a blog post.
The app allows users to access a streamlined version of the services's multi-function inbox, and to display their Google Voice numbers as their outbound caller ID.
It also lets users send and receive free text messages, and place international calls at Google Voice's VoIP-like rates.
These functions were all available on the app Google had submitted to the iPhone app store last year. But Apple rejected that program, and it has remained unapproved despite an FCC investigation in the move.
Apple had responded to the investigation by stating that the app alters core functions of the iPhone, replacing its user interface with Google's own for calls, text messaging and voicemail. As the new app is online-only, Apple can no longer object to it on those terms.
A Google voice for iPhone web app has reportedly been in development since August last year.