It’s been more than a year since Apple pulled the original Google Voice app from the App Store, claiming that the product “duplicated existing functionality.” Some third-party GV apps have since made their way to the App Store, thanks in part to Apple’s decision to release app guidelines to the public. If TechCrunch is right, it sounds like the official Google Voice app may already be approved, marking the triumphant return of one of the most anticipated applications to the iPhone.

Here’s what TC had to say:

The App Store review office at 1 Infinite Loop has officially frozen over: we’ve gotten word that the official Google Voice application is on its way to the iPhone in the next few weeks. In fact, we’ve heard from a source close to Google that it’s already been approved — Google just needs to revamp the application to work with the iPhone 4 and iOS’s multitasking capabilities. If you’re a Google Voice user and you’re on an iPhone, this is great news.

No word from Google, but I’m hoping it’s only a matter of time.

It’s been more than a year since Apple pulled Google Voice off the iPhone, but there’s finally reason to celebrate for Google Voice fans. Apple has approved at least one native app for the iPhone.

What does that mean? That means no more jailbreaking, no more hacks, no more ridiculous excuses from Apple about feature duplication and whatnot. It means you can use GV Connect – the app that was approved – to make calls, transcribe voicemails, send SMS messages, record conversations, star conversations, and notes to conversations and messages, and basically provide everything you want from Google Voice right on your phone.

All I can say is it’s about damn time. This is a solid year overdue. I almost understood Apple’s reasoning, especially when Google Voice was sort of new and confusing. A couple months after the initial rejection, though, and this thing should have been back in without question. Really, it probably never should have been pulled, but this wait has been long.