Skype waiting on sidelines until Apple nods

Wednesday’s iPad announcement brought with it the end to restricting VOIP over 3G applications from the App Store. Quickly, apps like iCall and Fring entered the store with both 3G and WiFi VOIP calling without fear. Skype hasn’t submitted their 3G app to Apple yet.

The reason? According to a Skype spokesperson I contacted, they are waiting for a clarification from Apple. It seems they want to be assured that their 3G VOIP capable app is kosher with Apple. They’ve had the app built for some time now and are ready to go as soon as they get the nod. According to this spokesperson:

“(Skype) has already written its app for use with 3G and has been waiting patiently to submit it for approval. Now, we are just waiting for Apple to clarify when the new SDK terms of service (iPhone OS 3.2 SDK beta) which were published yesterday will go into effect for current iPhone users. As soon as we have that clarification, Skype will submit its application for approval.”

That’s the thing about a walled garden, Apple’s closed ecosystem where Apple decides what is in and what is out: you don’t want to upset the warden.

Company site: [Skype]