The new version also consumes less power and provides a more reliable connection when making calls on Mac computers with Apple M1 and M2 processors.
- What’s happening? Microsoft has announced that it is testing a native version of Skype built specifically for Apple Silicon Mac computers.
- Why care? Microsoft claims that Skype will run up to three times faster on a Mac with an M1 processor. The application should also consume less power and be more reliable.
- What to do? Read the announcement on the Skype blog.
Skype for Apple Silicon Mac Coming Soon
“After months of anticipation and demand from customers, Skype has finally released a new update for Apple M1 Macs,” says the Skype blog. The new version promises up to 3x faster performance than the current version for Intel-based Macs.
“Say goodbye to sluggish and slow calls and say hello to lightning-fast performance with crystal-clear audio and video quality,” Microsoft teases.
Skype for Apple Silicon Mac is not a new application. Instead, Skype is now a universal application that comes with binaries for both Intel processors and Apple silicon chips.
When will Skype for Apple silicon be available to all users?
It is not yet clear when the rollout may end. We didn’t see an update at the time of posting. Like many apps, this phased release will take weeks, if not months. Skype will automatically download any new updates.
Alternatively, you can force the software to check for updates manually by selecting the “Check for Updates”option from the Skype menu.
How do I know if my copy of Skype is optimized for Apple silicon?
To check if the Skype app on your M1 or M2 Mac is an Intel-only or generic version, Control-click it in the Applications folder and choose Get Info from the menu. If the entry labeled “Type”in the Info window is listed as “Application (Universal”), you are using the version optimized for Apple Silicon.
How to get early access to new Skype features
Microsoft maintains a special edition of Skype for people at the cutting edge of technology, Skype Insider. It has been developed as a playground for new features that are in testing and not yet commercially available.
To get early access to new releases of Skype, download the Skype Insider app from the Skype website. Be aware that installing Skype Insider will overwrite your current Skype installation. Read: How to Record Calls with Skype for iPhone