Microsoft confirms skype is shutting down in May

Microsoft has announced the shutdown of Skype, the internet-based phone and video service, which was once a dominant communication platform in the mid-2000s.

In a post on X, Microsoft confirmed that Skype will "no longer be available" starting in May. The company assured users that their login credentials would remain valid for accessing Microsoft Teams' free tier in the future.

Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion in what was then its largest-ever acquisition. Over the years, Skype was integrated into various Microsoft products, including Office and Windows Phone.

Despite a temporary surge in usage during the COVID-19 pandemic, Skype’s popularity has declined in recent years due to increased competition from platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, and Cisco WebEx.

Additionally, apps like Apple’s FaceTime and Meta’s WhatsApp have become preferred choices for personal communication.

Microsoft has been focusing more on Teams, which offers similar features to Skype along with additional business-oriented functionalities.

The move to phase out Skype aligns with the company's broader strategy of consolidating its communication services under Microsoft Teams.