Microsoft incorporates changes based on user feedback

Oct 30, 2014 14:56 GMT  ·  By

After updating the desktop Mac client, Microsoft this week released a new version of the Skype iPhone app with improvements based entirely on user feedback.

“At Skype, we work hard to incorporate your ideas to continue building a great app that helps you do more with the people you love, whenever you’re apart,” reads the announcement from the Skype team.

Made official via a post on the Skype Garage Blog, the release focuses on answering some of the most burning requests.

“In fact, on the Skype for iPhone team, we personally read each piece of user feedback and categorize comments by hand to determine what to work on next, so your input really matters,” writes Lara Kingwell.

Faster chat load times, UI tweaks, photo saving

Skype 5.7 addresses some of the most common user suggestions, according to Kingwell, including faster chat load times. Kingwell explains that, when you receive a notification and tap it to open the app, the message will be displayed instantly.

Avatars are now visible not just for individual users, but for entire groups, “and if they’re changed on other platforms, they’ll update in the app too so you always have the latest showing.”

If you’re looking for people using the search and filter options, now you’ll be able to find the person you want to chat with much faster and easier.

Photos swapped back and forth in a conversation can now be saved by a simple press-and-hold on the image, just like in any other iOS app.

“We can’t wait for you to download the new version to take advantage of the new features inspired by your feedback,” Kingwell concludes.

Skype for iPhone requires iOS 7.0 or later and works with all handset models that support the firmware. While it hasn’t been labeled as an iOS 8 app, Skype for iPhone is fully compatible with the newest firmware (8.1).

What’s new for desktop users

In case you’ve missed the Skype 7.1 announcement for the Mac, you’ll be glad to know that Microsoft has carried out some maintenance here as well. If you’re a fan of the service and are using OS X 10.10, go ahead and download Skype 7.1 for full Yosemite support and a bunch of new fixes.

It’s also easier to copy a link or to leave a group conversation in version 7.1, according to the development team. Use the links below to grab the Skype you need.

Download Skype for iPhone

Download Skype for OS X