Skype for iPhone - yes, it's here
We’ve updated our iPhone app – you can now make video calls.
For those of you reading this in an RSS reader, you can watch the video here. You can also grab the embed code if you want to use this video in your own blog.
I know you’ve all been waiting for this one – I certainly have – but it’s finally here. The long anticipated Skype for iPhone and iPod touch has hit the App Store, and it’s yours to download for free.
Kurt Thywissen, lead engineer on the Skype for iPhone project, explains all in the video above, but I suspect that many of you will want to dive straight in and download it now.
Skype for iPhone delivers a true Skype experience: make free Skype-to-Skype calls and low cost calls to landlines and mobile phones – and participate in conference calls – from any WiFi zone. You can IM to your heart’s content, and participate in group chats too, whenever you have network connectivity, whether it's WiFi, 3G, EDGE or GPRS.
The user interface is everything you’d expect from an iPhone app, and it integrates with your Address Book for super low cost calls to friends, family and colleagues abroad. It also integrates with the Camera Roll and your photo albums so you can select a profile picture you love.
As always, we’re keen to hear your feedback – development of Skype for iPhone doesn’t stop here, and your thoughts and ideas can help us make it even better. Leave a comment below, or head to the iPhone area of the Skype Community to share your views.
Update: You might like to read answers to two common questions abut Skype for iPhone.
mutooni commented Tuesday, Mar 31
Finally. I have been waiting for this one - and when iPhone OS 3.0 is available I hope you will support push notifications.
However, is there any chance that you would implement the same skype-to-phone calling that was in you J2ME version of skype. It the normal cell network to call local skype numbers - I really liked that feature on my old phone. This allows you to move around and not be connected to the same wi-fi hotspot all of the time. Remember that the iPhone is a mobile phone - not just a wireless handset. 
anas.w.saleh commented Tuesday, Mar 31
It keeps crashing! the program sounds to be good,,,, but it keeps crashing!! please fix this,,, please!
hii-ittai commented Tuesday, Mar 31
keeps crashing on me as well, didn't even get to the login screen
lukemanion commented Tuesday, Mar 31
I completely disagree.
Installed today through iTunes and it's been great. Had a 20 min call from Sydney to New York - iphone to iphone and it was brilliant. 10/10. Better than the land line call only hours earlier.
Then this evening did a iphone to Skype Mac call for about 15min and it was perfect. Could not have asked for it to be any better.
Now can't wait for background apps in iphone 3.0 software and everything will be brilliant.
whataniceday commented Tuesday, Mar 31
Here it shows the following message: "No Network Connection. Please check your network settings and try again."
Anyone with the same problem?
shilja_pa commented Tuesday, Mar 31
Crash ,crash
Impossible to write user name and pass on login screen
punsky commented Tuesday, Mar 31
Can we have SkypeOut calls when not on WiFi please!! and Sign out of other sessions (if i forgot to switch off skype at home)
manomb commented Tuesday, Mar 31
"No Network Connection. Please check your network settings and try again."
I´ve this problem all the time. I can´t sing in.
Anyone with the same problem?
markroberts1955 commented Tuesday, Mar 31
This app is tops! I haven't experienced any crashes or sign in problems and call quality is fantastic. Can't wait for push in 3.0 to make this perfect.
giovanni.illario commented Tuesday, Mar 31
Hi, I am in London with o2…… when I make a call I got this message: Skype calls over 3G networks are currently not supported due to restrictions that may be placed on your data plan. For more information visit www.skype.com
For this reason Skype doesn’t allow me to do any calls…
Can you please help me?
pierre.mugnier-wright commented Tuesday, Mar 31
Was so happy this morning to install it this morning, really sad to say I have to let it go for now, the application for the Iphone is not stable crashes after 2 minutes, have not had the chance to try the quality of the voice call yet.
Please fixe it quick!!!
Best.
kasialec commented Tuesday, Mar 31
i have the same problem! i live in london and cannot make any phone calls using skype!!!
does anyone know what is happening?
o_kweso commented Tuesday, Mar 31
i had no crash so far. but did not call yet, just chat. but my friend gets two different chat-threads when i write vom iphone and then, after iphone-app is closed, when i write from pc...
anyway, seems to work fine and stable for me. just hope for
-push notifications
-video sending (even if it´s just from the backside-cam. if you use the headset, you can show you surrounding to your friends...)
-and 3g calling (now calling is possible just on wifi, is it not?)
thx for bringing an important feature to the iphone...
albertvoon commented Tuesday, Mar 31
i from malaysia i use iphone 2g Crash ,crash
cannot write user name and pass on login screen
arthur5005 commented Tuesday, Mar 31
First I'm outraged to hear the only country it's not being released in Canada. Can you PLEASE make it clear weather or not it's my cellphone carrier I need to pressure (Rogers) or if it's ACTUALLY some sort of patent licensing dispute that I can follow.
Best
ispiratica commented Tuesday, Mar 31
You know for all of you'll that love new tech stuff and your jailbroken iPhones heres some news. READ some forums before crying for help!
Jailbroken iPods, ie non-carrier bought ones will NOT work with Skype. Skype will only work with iPhones bought from a telecom company. IT wil also not work properly with 3G but only with WIFI.
http://www.gsmarena.com/skype_arrives_to_apple_iphone_our_first_impression_inside-news-852.php
ragain1 commented Tuesday, Mar 31
Voice mail checking needs to be added. Also, some people say they are being double billed for calls when they already have an unlimited plan. Is this true?
tkearn commented Tuesday, Mar 31
I too am having the problem where it says: "No Network Connection. Please check your network settings and try again." I am not running a jailbroken iPhone, and I am connected to a WiFi network (I can browse with Safari or use the Facebook app just fine). Does anyone have any idea how to solve this?
hurleyvideo commented Tuesday, Mar 31
Working fine for me.
One of the best things about Skype for iPhone for me at least, is that it essentially makes the iPhone into a multi-line phone. I can keep my mobile number private and give out my business or home number (Skype In numbers) and they all ring to the iPHone. When in the office, I can use wifi and make outbound calls from my preferred device and show up properly in their Caller ID.
Loving it. Really extends the iPhone.
stevennnn2006 commented Tuesday, Mar 31
So far I have not been able to sign in to Skype on the iPhone at all. I have checked, rechecked and checked again that my user name and password are correct. The thing just sits there for the longest time then finally I get the "No Network Connection. Please check your network settings and try again." message. This thing is totally useless to me.
stevennnn2006 commented Tuesday, Mar 31
So far I have not been able to sign in to Skype on the iPhone at all. I have checked, rechecked and checked again that my user name and password are correct. The thing just sits there for the longest time then finally I get the "No Network Connection. Please check your network settings and try again." message. This thing is totally useless to me.
oscarkarlsten commented Tuesday, Mar 31
I can sign in perfectly, and the chat works. But the app lags a lot when I try to make a call - once the "initializing" screen comes up, the app crashes and returns me to the normal iPhone menu.
mr_lovable_universe commented Tuesday, Mar 31
So now when Skype is finally out for iphones, can we expect some sort of call recording feature to migrate there through Pamela or any other program?
anas.w.saleh commented Tuesday, Mar 31
Ok,, got it to work,, if your phone is jailbroken,, then make sure to go to cydia and update the mobile substrate,, this will fix the crashing problem! other than that,,, great app... love it
enrico.franconi commented Tuesday, Mar 31
Reset Network Settings fixed this problem for me. If your phone is jailbroken you need to update mobile substrate.
fannin269 commented Wednesday, Apr 1
I can't purchase Skype credits without being directed to a pchome page in Chinese.
Help!
What did I do wrong?
wristlock commented Wednesday, Apr 1
Powering off the iPhone & back on resolved the "No Network Connection" error I was receiving. (I updated Cydia, was able to browse the internet, etc.) The thing that fixed it for me was the reboot. Just like Windows 
fannin269 commented Wednesday, Apr 1
Are all 'PCHome' account pages in Chinese?
My account activity and credit purchase orders cannot be understood.
patrick.middleton commented Wednesday, Apr 1
This Skype for iPhone App seems very flaky and unstable, I've tried it and it shuts down after about 20-30 secs, as per some previous comments. Audio quality is choppy / poor.
If you want to use Skype on iPhone I'd use fring until this one gets out of beta.
Cheers.
nicogur commented Wednesday, Apr 1
Can somebody help me what to do when it says "Skype calls over 3G networks are currently not supported due to restrictions that may be placed on your data plan"?
Does Skype work in an iphone in the US?
Thanks for the help
kabosht9 commented Wednesday, Apr 1
To all you crash vicitims... Are you jailbroken?
If so, update mobile substrate in Cydia...
To defeat the no connection, turn the phone off then Skype will work when you turn it back on.
Good luck and have fun, works great...
macroassembler commented Thursday, Apr 2
"No Network Connection. Please check your network settings" goes away after you restart your iphone. If you have a jailbroken iphone, update cydia and mobileSubstrates before the restart and you're off to the races. I have an iPhone 2G
cipote7 commented Thursday, Apr 2
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I've been waiting for this app all along!
The sound quality is great and it has worked for chats and for phone calls to other Skype users or landlines.
A couple os things that would be nice to have:
Show the controls (such as speaker phone, hold, etc.) immediately after one initiates a call
Allow for one to top on a skype name to leave a voicemail message
Thanks again!
hrulik commented Thursday, Apr 2
it work aprox 20sec, then crash, mobilesubstrate is updated
2G 2.2.1
brannononline commented Friday, Apr 3
This app stinks. You are better off downloading Nimbuzz which is way better quality and it works over 3g and 2g connections too. They added a dialer which can be used for skype out calls. I AM A BIG FAN OF SKYPE, BUT THIS APP FALLS SHORT OF ALL EXPECTATIONS. You would think with as much time as they had to develop an app that it would work better than the third party apps out there, but this one crashes constantly. I have given up on this one for now. Like i said, "YOU WILL BE AMAZED AT NIMBUZZ" Blows the skype app out of the water
tkearn commented Friday, Apr 3
"No Network Connection. Please check your network settings" has not gone away for me, and I still can't log on. I've tried restarting the phone, resetting the network settings, and reinstalling the app, but none of it has worked. Just for the record, I'm using a iPhone 2G (1st gen) running 2.1 software and not jailbroken.
brianosullivan123 commented Friday, Apr 3
HELP. I've really screwed up by putting my pal's birthday on the iPhone Skype app. Thought he wanted me to, but communication error. Now I can't get it off. There appears to be no menu setting which allows for it's removal (you can change it), and I've deleted the app and then reinstalled it, but it's still there. Any ideas. Thanks.
mutek.fx commented Friday, Apr 3
Its working fine!
It would be cool if:
- the interface sounds are louder
- emoticon support
- able to send sms
- possible to watch video call at least
grat work!
thanks!
andygambino commented Saturday, Apr 4
Crash ,crash
Impossible to write user name and pass on login screen. My phone is Jailbroken so it may have something to do with this
peter_baku commented Saturday, Apr 4
Is it possiblle to change user account on the iPhone version of Skype ?
OR does one need to download again and activate with alternative user account ?
acantelli commented Sunday, Apr 5
I'm from Brazil and I use it on Iphone (not 3g). The program works for a while then crashes... Please, fix it. I use the OS 2.2. thanks.
Peter Parkes commented Tuesday, Apr 7
@peter_baku tap My Info in the toolbar, then Sign Out at the top right hand corner of the screen; then you can sign in with a different account.
Peter Parkes commented Tuesday, Apr 7
@brianosullivan123 we're aware of that particular problem, and I hope it'll be fixed in a future release.
In the meantime, you can remove the birthday by signing in to Skype using a desktop (Windows, Mac or Linux) version and editing your profile there.
Hope that helps
Peter Parkes commented Friday, May 1
@angel33eyes this should have been fixed in v1.0.2 - launch the App Store app on your phone, tap the Updates tab and make sure you're running the latest version (now v1.0.3).
If you are already, please let me know
sophiaburns commented Friday, Jun 19
I love Skype, use it all the time both on the desktop and ipod. So much easier to talk! Any sign of a new version with push technology? That would make the app (almost) perfect....
alexguitarsex commented Tuesday, Jun 30
Gr. Push notifications still absent from Skype?
I was so excited about the update today. Thanks for the letdown.
At least the app doesn't crash all the time anymore.
johnleesanders commented Monday, Jul 27
First of all, the app is great, I downloaded it using my US account from itunes, I'm on Rogers in Canada, and it is blocked by the monopoly carrier here.
I downloaded the system update from Apple, and it asked if I wanted to install the Rogers update, which I said yes.
I had to update some of the apps for the new operating system, and now Skype is blocked from the iphone. If skype works on an itouch ipod in Canada using wifi,
then this would not be a patent issue as the legal team at Apple and Skype are saying, but a block of the application.
Canada is the only country in the world blocking this app, lemme see, could it be a threat to the monopoly. The CRTC is bought off. I'm sure there's a workaround somewhere, I can understand maybe this happening in China or North Korea, but a capitalist state like Canada, go figure, hope you guys at Skype can keep the heat on Rogers and the CRTC
micksmacs commented Sunday, Sep 13
Hi,
We were just in Vancouver the last week in August with our iPhone 3gs and it allowed Skype phone calls off wi-fi perfectly. AMAZING!!! I have a paid Skype account, but hardly ever use it. This was worth the whole $15 I dropped just to be able to phone any number in the U.S. for next to nothing. I did have a Canada plan and an international data roaming plan, but all of these were off when I phoned the U.S. (for free, essentially) using Skype.
Is the Touch being blocked in ways I'm not aware of, or has something changed? How could Rogers have any power to block software and hardware out of their control when it was not even being used on their network?...
Are Touch users buying plug-in mics for their Touch units? I'm not aware that they ship with a mic.
Mick
shawnjgivens commented Wednesday, Oct 21
Hi Mick:
I use Skype on my iPod Touch and it works great! You have to have a great signal and a set of iPhone ear bugs which you can buy online or get a off market pair for a lower price than the $35 bucks I payed. Either way, I'm really excited about the new agreement with Apple allowing the calls to be made over the 3G network. Now it's time to drop my plan once an update comes out. I currently receive an error message when I attempt to make calls over 3G. Is anyone else having this same issue?
FYI - I have both the iPod Touch and iPhone 3G. I can't justify moving over to the 3GS.
mal7798 commented Wednesday, Dec 30
Every time I install Skype and run it on my iPod Touch it crashes to the reboot screen. I delete it and reinstall it again, and then I go to use it and it crashes my iPod again. Every search I've done on this problem addresses the problem "...how to stop Skype from crashing JAILBROKEN iPods..." My iPod is NOT JAILBROKEN and I don't want to jailbreak it. I am reading posts on this page asking about this problem that go back to March, and I am typing this in December--nine months and this problem is not resolved? Here it is again.
1. My iPod Touch crashes every time I run Skype, no matter how many times I delete and reinstall it.
2. My iPod Touch is NOT jailbroken and I do not want to jailbreak it.
3. I want to know how to stop Skype from crashing my brand new, non-jailbroken iPod Touch.
Please help me with this.
intersignben commented Thursday, Jan 14
i would like to see the new version of skype on the iphone to keep a wifi connection alive (and stay signed in to skype) even when the iphone screen is locked/off
i goto far away places where at&t doesn't have coverage but i have a wifi network (a verizon mobile hotspot and wifi routers at the remote sites)
pandora internet radio does it perfectly (keeping wifi up when screen is off) and that is what i need skype to do (skype saves me a good deal of money when communicating with long distance contacts)
zilladtp commented Sunday, Feb 28
Man I know japan is far but is there any way to have a better connection.I'm tryna talk to my homie that's in the marines and it keeps messing up but he did say he had alot of problems from that earth quake from chile.He said japan felt the aftershock.
jamarsac commented Wednesday, Apr 28
This program still crashes, but it's not very frequently. I can typically make 20 minute calls, but more than 30.
radicator9 commented Saturday, Jun 5
im trying to call indonesia with it. I have iphone version 3.0 and the other phone is a blackbery curve, i tried to call from skype to skype but via mobile phones and both parties when we try to call eachother gets decline.. Any suggestion? I tried calling to from iphone to pc gets decline. But from pc to iphone its fine? Any suggestion would be great.
hardrockhess commented Thursday, Jul 15
When will Skype start using video calls for the iPhone app? Us iPhone 4 users would LOVE to see that come out sooner rather than later...
mikethemedic1 commented Thursday, Aug 12
I posted a question to Skype about using the iPhone 4 to make Skype video calls but have had no reply. Anyone know anything?
glenpcooney commented Monday, Sep 13
AHHHHHH
I bought a new Itouch4 purely for skype video calling. No video !!!!
Whats going on Skype. Please fix.
vintagepiano commented Friday, Oct 1
Just bought an iPod touch 4 just so I could use Skype.
It appears that one needs a valid itunes account just to be able to log into Skype.
In order to have a valid iTunes account, one must supply a credit card or PayPal account, even if you don't want to buy anything from iTunes!!
All this just to install an app??
Version 3 of the iPod touch had skype built right into it, not anymore.
It's going back to BestBuy tomorrow, I'll stick with my Ipevo phone. It ALWAYS works, just can't do email or browse- but it doesn't need an extra $30 data plan for skype.
ferreira.a2 commented Friday, Oct 1
I am disappointed that the new Ipod Touch (gen 4) with the camera cannot do video calls with Skype.
katie.ament commented Sunday, Oct 3
I would love to have the video feature for the IPOD 4th. Please, Please, Skype fix this!
veritybarton commented Sunday, Oct 3
Hello Skype people - what is the point in having Skype on your iPhone when pretty much all calls and texts are inclusive on your contract anyway?? We only want Skype for video calls so you really have missed the point, FYI... Pleeeease sort this out. I'm hoping enough people will write similar things on this blog so it will then act like a petition and you will do something...
janpeck commented Friday, Oct 8
I also want Skype for video. I have Skype on my parent's desktop computer and on mine to keep an eye on how they are doing, making sure no one has fallen. Would like to be able to check on them when I'm away from my computer with my iphone 4! Is this something that has to be okayed with Apple? or something that Skype could accomplish by itself?
new-kids1 commented Saturday, Oct 9
Hi Skype guys,can you enable Video for iPod Touch?It would be great.\
Thanks,
NEW-KIDS1
monty_montana15 commented Sunday, Oct 10
while the new Iphone and Ipod touch Skype app is nice, with no video, whats' the point? Fix it Skype, update your app to include Video.
awachat commented Thursday, Oct 14
Hi
I have strange problem. When I login on Skype application on iPhone my iPhone get worm and battery start getting drain very fast. I am using iPhone 3G-S model with 3G data service while connecting to Skype and keep wireless connection off.
Does anyone face similar problem yet?
beystes commented Thursday, Oct 14
PLEASE can you enable use of the camera on the iPhone 4!!!!!!! My kids are dying to see their grandparents far far away, and we are not always near a computer.
PLEASE give us video!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Enough people are asking for it, don't you think?
sergeylonyx commented Saturday, Oct 16
Please give video Skype calling available on iPhone4!
I think this could be even payable option.
Thank you in advance!
Cheers
matrobbins commented Monday, Oct 18
Hey guys. Sorry I must be blind but where the fudge is the key/setting for enabling video-calling? I've just downloaded Skype to my new iPod Touch but I can't use the facetime camera and do video calls!!!! Frigging pointless, am about to delete the App til Skye can be arsed to come up with a decent one. May as well use my proper computer, at least Skype has 21st century functionality on that. From an iPod Touch with camera user to Skype: FAIL.
matrobbins commented Monday, Oct 18
In mean Facetime has been out for MONTHS. Why still no video-Skyping?!? Skype -- u're not gonna get very far showing up to a gunfight with a knife. That's the equivalent of what releasing this App on new iPhones is. Please address ASAP before people just leave.
matrobbins commented Tuesday, Oct 19
I can't believe Skype devoted this "Big Blog" to the launch of such an underwhelming video-less product that people clearly don't like (read above). RIM, Myspace, AOL: you now have company in the "we're too big to be able to fail, whatever we release - we'll just force the consumer to take it" school of terminal corporate arrogance. Skype: please DO listen, iOS 4 has been out all summer, sort it out! I've already deleted Skype from my iPod Touch for one.
raminland commented Saturday, Oct 23
I don't think it is too difficult for Skype to develop the app with cam function. If they did I would even sign up for World Talk credit account because I travel too often. However, is it possible the delay has to do with Apple itself?
IpodTouch 4g Facetime works fine only with other device owners. Other apps in iTunes also work with mobile phones only and none of them work with ipod/pc. Even Yahoo does not have a camera function. So I think it may be connected to Apple and its device security.
Meanwhile I thank Skype for the free calls and keep using it while waiting for video function. By the way, people remember Skype is providing a Free service and some thanks and appreciation is well deserved.
sweetmarel commented Friday, Nov 5
It seems they dont want to answer when video calling for the iphone will be there!
WHY DO WE POST HERE, WHEN WE DON`T GET ANY ANSWERS!!!!!!!
COME ON! GIVE US FEEDBACK! IS IT SO HARD TO PUT A MESSAGE ON THIS BOARD?
PETER PARKES!!!! HELLOWW?
dougpalermo commented Monday, Nov 22
Well I have to add my opinion too. Please allow video calls. It has already been mentioned that what is the point of skype if you can't see one another. I can just phone using my I phone and it will still fall into my capped plan so won't cost any more. I want video!
lillcrazzygurrl commented Monday, Dec 6
It would be much appreciated if you added video chat to this app. No offense but there's barely any purpose of this app until you add video chat. I hope you do for most of my friends do not have the itouch so i can't facetime with them and Apple sucks at advertising. because when i heard from apple that i could connect with another skype account they did not nottify anyone that it would only work with voice chat and not video calls. i have officially wasted my money on this. i would feel better if video chat was added
newjoelman commented Tuesday, Dec 14
It has already been more than said. But just wanted to add my voice to the group of people hear and say that I would rather buy a video app, then get an audio app free. Thanks.
jeff77789 commented Thursday, Dec 30
Mine doesn't crash. It says this version of the app works only on Unmodified versions of iOS
anarrj commented Friday, Dec 31
I've just try it out! It awesome )))) Thanks a lot, guys for giving this great and the most important thing free opportunity to call your family or friends!!!! ^^
alysir commented Saturday, Jan 1
I love Skype, but I agree. I got the app specifically for video calls. None of my friends have an iPhone/iPod Touch, so FaceTime is useless to me. My best friend and I used to Skype all the time, but since my computer crashed I've been using my iPod to go online and without video chat on here we don't bother using it anymore. Since I need Internet to go online, (and the only place I get connection is at my house) there's no use when I can just call from my house phone or cell phone and get the same, if better, quality. Sorry for repeating what everyone else has pretty much covered, but this upsets me seeing as I thought Skype's main focus/feature was video chat. It just doesn't make sense to me. Thank you for reading my feedback!