Can the iPhone Use Skype?

Getting the Skype App

Two means for getting the Skype app on your phone exist: downloading and installing it directly from the "App" store; or downloading it from the iTunes Store onto your computer and transferring it when you next sync your device with iTunes. The former option is simpler by far -- the main instance in which exercising the latter is preferable is if you're concerned about overrunning your data allotment for your current usage month.

As is the case with most other iPhone apps, Skype provides you with a simplified interface optimized for the iPhone. Five options appear at the bottom of your screen: "Contacts;" "Chats;" "Call;" "History;" and "My Info." Use the interface to simply and intuitively browse through your list of contacts, chat with those who are online, make calls to cell phones and land lines, view your Skype history specific to your iPhone and edit your account info.

You can also add Skype credit to your account via the iPhone app, something which is necessary to do if you wish to call phones from your Skype account. To add Skype credit to your account, tap the "My Info" tap and then "Add Credit." Doing so takes you to a screen where you select how much you want to add, as well as provide payment information -- options include credit cards and PayPal -- to complete the secure transaction.

As of May 2011, the latest version of the Skype for iPhone application -- as well as the iPhone's own iOS operating system -- allows you to receive Skype video calls on your iPhone. If you use the iPhone 4, first released in July 2010, you can also make Skype video calls on your iPhone by taking advantage of the device's front-facing camera. Make sure the person you're calling can receive video calls before you attempt to call them with video.