Microsoft recently announced that it will terminate Skype services on May 5, 2025, marking the end of the app’s 22-year history. Existing users will have a 60-day transition period to choose whether to transfer their chat history and contact information to Microsoft Teams, or export their data to switch to other messaging tools.
Microsoft 365 collaboration applications and platform president Jeff Teper noted that users can decide on their own migration approach, whether it’s exporting chat history and contacts to other platforms or transferring to Teams. If they choose to migrate, users’ message history, contacts, and group chats will be automatically retained without the need to re-register their accounts.
During the transition period, interoperability between Skype and Teams will be preserved, allowing users of both platforms to continue their communications seamlessly. Skype users will soon receive relevant notifications to assist them in transitioning to Microsoft Teams.
However, it’s worth mentioning that the original feature of Skype for making domestic and international calls will not continue to be supported in Teams. Microsoft’s Vice President of Product, Amit Fulay, explained that with the rise of VoIP technology and the decrease in mobile data costs, this feature is no longer a priority for the company’s future development.
Microsoft will temporarily retain the existing Skype credit, but will no longer offer paid calling features for new users. Current subscribers can still use Skype credit and subscription services until their next renewal, while users with a dedicated Skype number will need to transfer their number to another service provider.
Since its launch in August 2003, Skype has undergone 22 years of evolution, being used on various devices and operating systems including Nokia Symbian phones, Sony PSP, and HoloLens. Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion, after which it underwent numerous design improvements.
However, with the rise of platforms like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Messenger, Skype’s competitive edge has gradually diminished. Especially in the early days of the pandemic, many consumers leaned towards using Zoom, showing that Skype has lost its dominant position in the market.
Teper mentioned that there was an increase in Skype users at the onset of the pandemic, but it has since stabilized without any significant decrease. Microsoft hopes most Skype users will transition to Teams, while also emphasizing that users should have complete control over how they manage their data and migration paths.
