Microsoft’s original online calling platform, Skype, is reportedly set to shut down within the next two months. If reports are to be believed, the tech giant will phase out its veteran calling app by May 2025. It was just months before, that Microsoft launched subscription-based model for users.
In the previous year, Microsoft has removed some of its services, including advertisements, Microsoft has continued to add features despite dwindling user numbers. However, various tech portals like tom’s guide, ccn reported that the window giant is closing its online calling app within two months.
Why Microsoft Is Phasing Out Skype
As per tom’s guide, “In place of Skype, the string suggests using Microsoft Teams, also noting how many of your contacts already use Teams to convince you to make the jump”. According to the experts, Microsoft’s wind-down of Skype appears to have been slowly taking place over the past year. ccn reports, “Starting in May, Skype will no longer be available. Continue your calls and chats in Teams.”
About Skype
Skype made his debut in 2003, and has been part of Microsoft’s stable since 2011. While it enjoyed some traction post-acquisition, with features like integration into Windows 10, the introduction of Microsoft Teams in 2017 spelled the beginning of the end for the Estonian-built app. Additionally, with fierce competition from rivals and a rapidly changing digital landscape, Skype failed to keep up its momentum.
In 2005, eBay acquired Skype for $2.6 billion, aiming to integrate it into its online marketplace. However, as the the platform struggled to innovate, its user experience suffered from bloated updates and persistent bugs.
Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion, but it did not take significant steps to revive the platform’s declining popularity. As collaborative tools like Slack gained traction, Microsoft shifted its focus to Teams, prioritizing it over Skype.
When Did The Wind Down Start
Microsoft’s wind-down of Skype have been taking place over the past year. In July 2024, The company announced that it would be removing ads from the platform to provide users with a cleaner, more seamless experience.
