Skype working on 3G iPhone and iPad apps

Skype is promising that a new version of its software for the iPhone allowing 3G calling will be released "soon".

According to a post on the Skype blog, along with Apple's release of the iPad last week, the company also issued a new software development kit that removes prior restrictions on calling over 3G.

Applications for the iPhone have already popped up offering VoIP calls over 3G, but Skype says that it's holding out on its own app until it can secure optimal audio quality.

The company also made vague references to a Skype application for the iPad and said the company was "very excited" about the new device. Peter Parkes said in the blog post, "You can expect to hear more from us about Skype for iPad in due course."

A Macworld story indicated that the forthcoming Skype app will offer several user experience improvements, among them including a call-quality indicator.

In a video posted on the same blog post David Ponsford, who leads the Skype for iPhone team, said that the new app aims to have CD-quality audio among Skype-to-Skype users.