Skype to shut down forever after 14 years
Skype, the video calling service used by 300 million people every month, is being shut down for good.
Microsoft said it’s hanging up the phone on the programme after 14 years as the company focuses on its Teams app.
Users will be asked to switch to Teams before the service is turned off in May.
People will be able to log in to Teams using their Skype credentials. When doing so, Skype contacts and chats will appear on Teams.
Teams users can call and chat with Skype users and Skype users can do the same with Teams users, Microsoft said in a blog post.
Those who do not jump ship can export their Skype data,
Microsoft said on X: ‘Starting in May 2025, Skype will no longer be available. Over the coming days, you can sign in to Microsoft Teams Free with your Skype account to stay connected with all your chats and contacts,.
‘Thank you for being part of Skype.’
Microsoft was reportedly going to announce Skype’s retirement next week, but the news was broken today by computing news outlet XDA.
Skype launched in 2003 and was purchased by Microsoft 14 years ago for $8,500,000,000, or around £9,500,000,000 today.
But in a decline only quickened by the coronavirus pandemic, rival services such as Zoom and Apple FaceTime surpassed it.
When Microsoft tried to spin Skype as a corporate communications platform, software company Slack – and Teams – quickly took the crown.
Jeff Teper, Microsoft’s president of collaborative apps and platforms, said: ‘Skype has been an integral part of shaping modern communications and supporting countless meaningful moments, and we are honoured to have been part of the journey.
‘We also understand that change can be challenging and want you to know that we’re here to support you every step of the way.
‘We’re excited about the new opportunities that Teams brings and are committed to helping you stay connected in new and meaningful ways. ‘
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