Apple changes course on VoIP-over-3G

As part of its latest software development kit (SDK) release, Apple is now allowing app developers to delivery voice over IP calls over carrier – in the U.S., that means AT&T – networks.

Word of the development came from several VoIP app developers today, including iCall and Fring, announcing the addition and availability of 3G calling to their iPhone apps.

AT&T first announced back in October its intent to open up its 3G network to VoIP calling, but it took exposing those capabilities in the new iPhone SDK and then those apps making it through the Apple app approval process to make it a reality. While they haven’t announced yet, other VoIP developers like Truphone and Skype are likely to deliver similar capabilities soon.

While such services would technically allow iPhone users to make calls for free, it’s typically not without a few hurdles as VoIP apps are unlikely to be as tightly integrated to the phones dialer, contacts and other phone-based capability as native voice capabilities on the phone. However, app developers – especially with new SDK capabilities – can often find workarounds to such limitations to make VoIP on devices a more integrated experience.

Also not yet approved for the iPhone is Google Voice, which while not explicitly a VoIP app does enable advanced call management and call forwarding capabilities – and (thanks to Google’s acquisition of Gizmo) could soon provide outbound VoIP calling as well.