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Google tried to rain on Apple's parade by launching its controversial Google Voice app, barred to date from the App Store, as a browser-based web service. Apple has responded, opening up the 3G VoIP API (application programming interface) to developers, which will enable VoIP to run on its cellular devices.

At the launch of the iPad tablet, CEO Steve Jobs announced that restrictions on making VoIP calls across cellular networks, from iPhones or the new device, had been removed. This seems to indicate a shift in the balance of power between Apple and its exclusive US carrier, AT&T. The opposition of AT&T to VoIP over 3G, which hits its already declining voice revenues, was understood to be the reason for Apple's bar on the functionality, and its refusal to let Google Voice into its store.

Now Apple has the upper hand as AT&T tries to cling onto its sole iPhone rights, and both companies have to pay more attention to their users' demands for free access to any web services. Last October, AT&T announced its intention to open its 3G network to VoIP applications on the iPhone, and Apple has now acted on that. The only application available from day one to take advantage will be iCall.

In a statement, Apple said: "We revised our Program License Agreement in conjunction with our updated Software Development Kit for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad Apps. Included in this update is the ability for developers to create VoIP apps that utilize cellular networks."

A spokesman for Skype said Apple's terms and conditions remain vague and the company is not yet sure that Apple will allow all third party VoIP services to use its API. But Skype will probably submit its 3G app to the App Store.

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