Microsoft's Skype Develops Native Support for Apple Silicon Macs

Microsoft announced that they are currently working on an updated version of Skype dedicated to Apple Silicon Macs to take full advantage of the M1 and M2 chips. This will make the app run up to three times faster than before.

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BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 03: A skype logo is seen at the Microsoft pavilion during the second day of the Mobile World Congress 2015 at the Fira Gran Via complex on March 3, 2015 in Barcelona, Spain. The annual Mobile World Congress hosts some of the wold's largest communication companies, with many unveiling their latest phones and wearables gadgets.

Saying Goodbye to Slow Call Experiences

Three years have since Apple transitioned from Intel-based Macs to its own Apple Silicon chips. However, some applications have not been updated to utilize the M1 and M2 chips. But according to an announcement from Skype, Microsoft is developing a new update that will offer an enhanced version of the app.

9To5Mac reported that would bring MacBook users reduced less power, which will result in longer battery life. "Skype delivers faster and more reliable call connections, so you can stay connected with the people who matter most to you," the company wrote.

As of the moment, the update is now available for Skype Insider. A native client for Skype was highly requested by the community, especially Mac users. This new update would ensure seamless communication with friends and colleagues during calls for both audio and video.

Skype's newest offering is designed to provide an unparalleled experience, delivering maximum performance and reliability. M1 and M2 chips will make users' experience faster and more reliable three times faster than before.

Surpassing Skype

Thurrott reported that the first M1 Macs were previously released in the fall of 2020, and it took Microsoft and the Skype team two years to release a native version of the app. Aside from this, Microsoft Teams only rolled out native support for Macs in August last year.

Skype is slowly fading in the background as Microsoft Teams became more popular during the pandemic, used for corporate meetings and other work-related stuff. Despite revealing a significate overhaul of Skype with colorful themes and illustrations, the app was still seen as a "prosumer" app.

The redesign included new features like built-in translation during calls, which can be promising as they revamp their offerings. However, it lacks integrations with the Microsoft 365 suite that the other platform has. Microsoft Teams actually replaced Skype for Business, which was previously known as Lync, for organizations as it provides collaborative and management tools for enterprises.

Skype was once hailed as the leading video call and instant messaging application on the internet ever since the early 2000s when webcams became a thing. But the platform became less popular, especially when other competitors entered the same offerings as Skype.

This includes Zoom Meetings and the integration of video calls to social media platforms and other messenger applications like Facebook's Messenger, Apple's FaceTime, and more.