Apple has, at long last, approved Google Voice for iPhone, Google’s app for interfacing with the company’s VoIP service and voice and text messaging solution. With the app, users can view incoming messages, read transcripts of their voicemails, make VoIP calls, and manage their Google Voice account.

Apple had rejected the app for some time, an issue that cause its fair share of hoopla on the Internet. Its appearance today was not specifically anticipated, but CNN noted that Apple had begun approving third party apps that interfaced with the service in recent weeks.

The app is currently available only in the U.S., and it works with iPhone only. iPod touch users are not supported, the subject of much angst in the large number of user reviews already submitted for the app on its first day (most 1 star reviews are from iPod touch users that can’t use the app).

The release notes:

• Access your Google Voice account right from your iPhone.
• Receive push notifications for new text or voicemail messages.
• Send free text messages to U.S. numbers and make international calls at cheap rates.
• Listen to your voicemail, read transcripts and manage your Google Voice inbox.
• Display your Google Voice number as caller ID when making calls.
• Call contacts from your iPhone Address Book or enter new numbers on the dialpad.
• A Google Voice account is required to use this app. To sign up go to www.google.com/voice.
• Google Voice is only available in the United States.

The app is free, and is available now on the App Store.

Google Voice Screenshot