Where in the world is the 3G Skype app? (Updated)

by Justin Horn on Mar 24th, 2010 @ 5:20 pm

First a quick recap…

On January 27th Apple updated their terms to allow 3G VoIP apps. With Skype’s official stance on the subject being they had the 3G version ready, everyone expected the new app to hit the virtual shelves within a couple days.

Then on February 3rd, when we all expected to download the 3G version to our iPhones, Skype said it would be delayed in order to get it right. Even though it seemed a bit suspicious since they were supposed to have the 3G version ready and waiting, everyone was just excited that VoIP over 3G was finally a reality.

…end recap!

Here we are, 2 months later and still waiting. With no official word since February 3rd, the excitement has been replaced with frustration. Many people, myself included, are starting to wonder if the Skype – Verizon deal is the reason for the iPhone app delay.

After digging around I stumbled upon a thread in the Skype forums where a user claimed that Peter Parkes told him:

The deal with Verizon included exclusivity so Skype is not going to issue an update for the iPhone that will allow it to work over 3G.

As plausible as this is, I doubt anyone from Skype would let this slip to a random person. I guess we’ll see what happens tomorrow after the Verizon Skype app is released.

UPDATE In another thread the same user made the claim, but in this case Peter Parkes responded directly to this claim:

There’s no way I would have said that we’re backing away from iPhone, let alone not releasing a 3G-capable version, quite simply because it’s not true.

We’re absolutely committed to the iPhone platform: I cannot emphasise this enough. We’ll be releasing the 3G-capable version of our app very soon indeed.

Thanks to @paulmontag for the link (via @PhoneinCanada)

As I continued my search, I found two official responses on the matter.

First, Twitter user Dakota Allen claimed to get an official tweet saying the app was “coming soon” on March 23rd.  I did a little fact checking and was able to confirm this claim:

@dakotadallen: Is Skype for iPhone over 3G coming? Or has Verizon paid to ensure that doesn’t happen? (view tweet)

@skypemobile: it’s coming soon – watch this space (view tweet)

Second, taking a look back at the comments on the February 3rd update, Peter Parkes finally replied to all the questions:

Nikunj and others – I appreciate your patience. Unfortunately we don’t have any additional information to share right now. Our iPhone team is working hard to get the updated app ready to release – when it is, we will get it to you as soon as we can.

So the official stance is basically the same as it was on February 3rd, we are are still working away and it should be coming soon. I’m not 100% satisfied with this response, but any response is better than none. At least we know they are still working on it…right? I’ve also contacted Skype PR for an official response, but not holding my breathe that they’ll respond.

Follow me on Twitter @justin_horn

View 4 Comments
at&t, iPhone apps, Speculation

1.
1. When Can We Expect the Skype 3G iPhone App Release Date? | iPhone in Canada Blog - Tips, Tricks, News, and Tutorials for Canadian iPhone Users

   March 29th, 2010 4:03 am

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2.
2. When Can We Expect the Skype 3G iPhone App Release Date? | iphone place

   March 29th, 2010 8:37 am

   [...] [WhenWillApple] [...]

3.
3. Glenn_Va

   May 9th, 2010 1:49 pm

   

   We can safely say that Skype for 3G will never come out.

4.
4. September 4, 2013When Can We Expect the Skype 3G iPhone App Release Date? | RedHuck.Com

   September 4th, 2013 3:56 pm

   [...] [WhenWillApple] [...]

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