Skype today announced an update to its native iOS app. You can download the latest version now from the official Apple App Store.
Apart from the usual “Bug fixes,” the only point mentioned in the Skype version 4.1.2 changelog is “Support for iPhone 5 display.” The app’s requirements now read: “Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later. This app is optimized for iPhone 5.”
What this means is that the updated app takes full advantage of the 16:9 widescreen screen display. You can now use the extra space for video conversations with your Skype friends, as well as chatting in the app and managing your contacts.
Compared to other apps, Skype is very late to the game when it comes to adding iPhone 5 support. The latest and greatest phone from Apple was released over two months ago now, and tons of apps have already received support, including: Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, Foursquare, Pocket, Flipboard, Spotify, and of course many others.
While this is a minor update for iOS, it is a must for iPhone 5 users. For an app like Skype, every pixel matters, and it honestly surprises me it took so long for Microsoft to get this new version out. Still, better late than never, right?
Given how many app makers operate, however, it would not surprise me if an Android app update was next. A preview of Skype for Windows Phone 8 arrived yesterday, Skype for iOS was updated today, does that mean Skype for Android will get a new version tomorrow? We’ll see soon enough.
In the meantime, Microsoft is asking Skype for iOS users to give feedback over on the Skype Support Network.
See also – Confirmed: Microsoft to retire its Messenger IM service in Q1 2013, moving 100M+ users to Skype in single act and Hands on with Skype for Windows 8: Microsoft brings its communication tool into the world of touch
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.