Tonight, we receive confirmation from Skype that the story we reported on earlier last week is true. Skype has released an official app for the iPhone, available at the iPhone app store.

The app will allow for calling and instant messaging, compatible with the iPhone 2.0’s as well as any Touch units that have a compatible headset or microphone.

The app is a culmination of promises Skype has made to it’s loyal userbase all the way back in January when they set out to insert themselves into the mobile landscape. They’re available on Windows Mobile, on Google’s Android and Nokia, and now on Apple.

John Furrier and I were talking about it this afternoon. “I think it speaks volumes about their execution in the market,” he said, which is true. “Twitter, who?” he added.

What’s On the App?

According to what we learned from Skype this afternoon, the app will allow for, of course, free calling (Skype-to-Skype) over any Wi-Fi zones, as well as the Skype-to-traditional phone networks at the normal rates Skype charges.

Additionally, IM will be available over any available data connection, be it through the telephone company or through a Wi-Fi zone.

No information was disclosed as to whether video calls were going to be made available through the app, though the conspicuous absence indicates that it likely won’t be present, at least in this version.

Either way, it’s a major step up for Skype users from existing iPhone / Skype solutions, previously only available on jail-broken phones or through third party applications.

This Will Be a Huge Win for Skype, but a Bigger Win for Apple

I’ve spoken with a few of my friends, including one notoriously ardent Apple-hater, who allowed me to quote him (under conditions of anonymity): “I’ll totally buy a touch now.”

Skype is the one utility that is common to every Internet-connected denizen.  The installed userbase claims 400 million or so, and I know I’ve made portable device purchases in the past purely on their ability to run a Skype client, and how well it runs.

“Skype software for the iPhone has been the number one request among our users,” said Scott Durchslag, Skype’s Chief Operating Officer, in a press statement.

For those that live a mobile lifestyle or even for those who are simply looking to conveniently save money on frequent long distance calling, this could end up being a key influencing factor in purchasing a Touch or an iPhone. For all the popularity of the Touch and the iPhone, it’s something couched in entertainment value.  Skype is one application with a broad base of familiarity that delivers a sense of utility to the device.

Update: It appears that the app hasn’t shown up in the iTunes App store yet, and it’s a bit late to get a hold of our friends at Skype. We’ll try to find out when the app should show up for download if we don’t see it before the morning.