In the last week, we’ve seen a torrent of Apple and Google-related news, and things are about to get even stormier.

First, there was the case of Apple rejecting the Google Voice application for the iPhone. The reasons for Apple’s decision are unclear, and while some, like TechCrunch’s Jason Kincaid, are blaming AT&T for blocking competitive applications on iPhone, others are taken with Om Malik’s argument that this was a choice made by Apple and Apple alone.

Then came news that the FCC is investigating the decision, sending letters to Apple, AT&T and Google seeking answers about the decision to block the application.

Then, Google CEO Eric Schmidt announced he was stepping down from Apple’s board, officially citing the increasing conflicts of interest (competing mobile operating systems, desktop operating systems, Web browsers, etc.) between the two companies.

Now – and despite Schmidt’s move -- the Federal Trade Commission is getting in on the action, reiterating its intent to examine the close ties between the two companies. The fact is, there are more “interlocking directorates” (technocrat-speak for folks who sit on both boards) than just Schmidt, and the FTC sees this as “raising competitive issues.”

But now that Apple (and maybe AT&T) is dismissing Google with decisions like blocking Google Voice, maybe we’ll see Google disengage from Apple.

What’s next? If trends continue, Google will further distance itself from Apple and become more of a direct competitor. For those of us frustrated by Apple and AT&T’s iPhone gatekeeping and encouraged by Google’s support for openness in the wireless market and on the Web, that could be a good thing. But let’s not underestimate Google’s own ability – and willingness – to squash competition as well. In this game, it’s giant vs. giant.