Microsoft readying revamped Skype app for iOS

The next updates to the Skype apps for iPhone and iPad will introduce a flatter design inspired by the visual identity of the iOS interface. In addition, the new app promises to be five times faster than the current version.

The next updates to the Skype apps for iPhone and iPad will introduce a flatter design inspired by the visual identity of the iOS interface. In addition, the new app promises to be five times faster than the current version. These improvements should bring Skype for iOS more in line with the Android and Windows Phone versions currently available.

The first images of the future app, published by Microsoft on a dedicated website, reveal an entirely revamped design that blends into the iOS environment more easily.

Beyond this esthetic upgrade, the updated app is slated to be up to five times faster than the current version. Microsoft points out that this improvement will not affect the overall performance and battery life of the device.

In terms of features, Skype still offers group calling, file sharing and instant messaging (even with users who are offline), among other services. One improvement of note regards unread message notifications, which will now automatically sync across devices.

The new Skype app for iPhone is expected to arrive on the App Store in the coming days, followed by the iPad version.