When was the last time you logged into Skype? For many, it’s been years, possibly since the pandemic lockdowns. This might explain why Microsoft is rumored to be pulling the plug on the once-popular service.
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Skype’s Potential Demise
Skype, which could have been what WhatsApp is today, might be discontinued as early as May 2025. Code lines discovered in a Windows Insider preview version suggest the end is near. The code states: “As of May, Skype will no longer be available. Continue your calls and chats in Teams.” Further hints indicate this text will appear in a dialog box, prompting Windows users to download the Teams app.
An Ambitious Timeline?
While Microsoft hasn’t officially confirmed these rumors, May 2025 would be an ambitious timeline. However, it’s evident that Skype’s relevance has waned. Microsoft has invested little in the service in recent years, and users have largely migrated to other platforms or to Microsoft Teams.
From Pioneer to Relic
Founded in 2003 by an Estonian development team, Skype was acquired by eBay for $2.6 billion in 2005. After several ownership changes, Microsoft acquired Skype for $8.5 billion. Originally a peer-to-peer network, Microsoft centralized Skype on its Azure platform in 2017, marking a significant shift in its infrastructure.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
In 2010, Skype boasted over 660 million users. By 2023, this number plummeted to just 36 million. Once a major disruptor to traditional telephony, Skype handled approximately 40 percent of all international phone calls at its peak in 2014. This dramatic decline in user base reflects the changing landscape of digital communication.
The potential shutdown of Skype marks the end of an era for one of the internet’s earliest communication platforms. As users increasingly migrate to other services, the story of Skype serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of technology and the challenges of maintaining relevance in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Will Microsoft officially confirm the end of Skype? And what lessons can be learned from the rise and fall of this internet pioneer? Write your thoughts in the comments.
Based on content from www.futurezone.at and own research.