Could indicate resistance from Apple

Skype and Google are refusing to comment on the status of new but significantly delayed iOS apps, statements from spokespeople show. Google revealed that it had submitted a Google+ app to Apple at least two weeks ago, but the title has yet to appear on the App Store despite the marketing and momentum attached to the social network. The launch of a Skype iPad app was anticipated on June 28th, following months of testing, but is also missing in action.

A Google spokesperson explains that the company has "nothing further to add on our end about the Google+ iPhone app" except that it is "still coming soon." A Skype representative will only say that "the current version of Skype for iPhone works on the iPad," and the company has insisted that a broken link with "ipad-for-skype" in the address was just pointing to the iPhone app. "iPad" continues to be a listed as a separate platform in Skype's website menus, even if the link redirects to the iPhone page.

It's suspected that Apple may be intentionally dragging its heels on approving both Google and Skype's apps. Apple CEO Steve Jobs has claimed that 95 percent of apps are now approved in seven days or less, and both Google and Skype pose competitive threats. Google is responsible for the Android mobile platform, a rival to iOS; Google+ might also detract from iOS 5's upcoming Twitter integration. Skype meanwhile has never been popular with Apple carrier partners, and is being acquired by Microsoft, which makes Windows Phone.

by MacNN Staff