Apple iPhone users will be able to access Skype from tomorrow, in a move which could help to slash call charges.

The internet telephony firm today confirmed that a Skype for iPhone application will be made available from Apple's App Store from 31 March. IPhone users will be able to call other Skype users free of charge, thanks to the unlimited internet access available with an iPhone contract.

Skype refused to disclose any other details ahead of the announcement, but chief operating officer Scott Durchslag was quoted in a Reuters report as saying: "The number-one request we get from customers is to make Skype available on iPhone. There's a pent-up demand."

The application will be free to download, according to reports, but calls to non-Skype phones will incur a charge. The application could also allow users to access phone numbers in their iPhone contacts book, thereby avoiding the time-consuming task of duplicating phonebook lists.

Skype has already announced Skype for Nokia phones, as well as handsets based on Google's Android operating system and Windows Mobile.