Update: Skype just confirmed over email that they have seen millions of downloads. According to VP of Corporate Communications Brian O’Shaughnessy “millions of downloads of an app that for the FIRST time brings true HD quality to the mobile calling experience”. Brian didn’t confirm the million per day but he did say “millions”.

Another update is that the HD experience is delivered via Skype’s SILK codec.

Over the holiday weekend here in the US Skype quietly introduced the killer feature for iPhone- Skype 2.0 for iPhone now available in the Apple App store.

According to industry sources close to Apple the new Skype iPhone 2.0 app is already hitting one million downloads a day and growing. Not surprising in that Skype is approaching 800 million users – that’s twice the size of Facebook’s entire user base.

Skype will be a major player in communications and certainly video when last month they introduced Skype video chat. I’m also bullish that Skype could own the ‘real time web’ and social media.

What does the Skype Apple App Store Success Mean?

Answer: Skype Cracked The Apple Code – Penetrates The Apple and Steve Jobs Walled Garden

Apple initially wouldn’t let Skype in the App Store then AT&T had prevented Skype from enabling VoIP calls over 3G networks. Since that time the public was outraged by Apple and AT&T tactics. The mob then went on to form a huge backlash against Apple. Now Skype and it’s 800 million users (including me) can now make Skype calls on the iPhone (and iPad, and select iTouchs).

This past weekend Skype is back in the Apple App Store. What this represents is Skype cracking the walls of the Steve Jobs kingdom.

Here are the details to the enhancements to the Skype iPhone 2.0. These are just features – the real deal is that a huge installed base of Skype users now can enjoy Skype on the iPhone.

Upgrades / improvements include:

• Call using your 3G connection.  Skype-to-Skype calls on 3G are free until the end of 2010, after which a small fee will be charged (note: operator charges for data plans will still apply)
• Near CD-quality sound for Skype-t0-Skype calls using wideband audio on iPhone 3G and Ipad, and 2nd & 3rd generation iTouch
• Enhanced quality indicator
• Improved start-up time
• Fast access to the dial pad from the iPhone home screen