With the new iOS 12.1 update, Apple has finally enabled the group FaceTime feature for both audio and video calls. You can now place a FaceTime call will up to 32 people! That’s more than you’ll ever need, but it’s nice to know that the system is designed to work even in such an extreme case.
Apple has thoughtfully designed the interface for the group video call. The callers show up in little floating tiles. 5-6 tiles are at the top. These are the ones who are most active or who recently spoke. The rest of the callers show up in a line below. But if someone starts speaking, they automatically bubble up to the top. To make things more fun, Apple has integrated Animoji, Memoji, and filters inside the FaceTime camera view as well. Here’s how you can make a group FaceTime video call.
Will Group FaceTime Work For You?
To get access to FaceTime Group Video calling you’ll have to update to iOS 12.1. Go to Settings -> General -> Software Update and update to the latest software – iOS 12.1.
Even after updating to iOS 12.1, you still don’t have access to this feature, you might be using an older device. FaceTime Group calls is supported only on devices with an A9 processor and higher (iPhone 6s and newer). The following devices don’t support FaceTime group video calls: iPhone 5S, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad Mini 2, iPad Mini 3, iPad Mini 4 and 6th generation iPod Touch.
How to Make Group FaceTime Calls
Step 1: Open the FaceTime app.
Step 2: Tap on the + button in the top-right corner.
Step 3: From the next screen, tap on the search bar and start searching for a contact. If their number is in blue, that means they are on FaceTime. Tap on a person. Then, tap on the space next to their name and then do the process over again.
Step 4: Once you’ve added all the people you want in the call, just tap on the Video or Audio button. The call has begun!
Step 5: Tap on the Effects button in the bottom-left to get a Memoji mask, Animoji, or filters.
How to Do FaceTime Video Call from iMessage
Step 1: Open the Messages app and go to a group iMessage thread.
Step 2: Tap on the contact bubbles at the top. From the drop-down panel, tap on FaceTime to start a group video call. To make a group audio call, tap on the Audio button.
Step 3: A FaceTime group call will start instantly. You’ll see placeholders for the contacts until they join.
Step 4: If someone doesn’t join right away, they’ll see a button to Join in later. If someone drops off while the call is still going on, they’ll see a Join button as well.
What Are Your Favorite New iOS 12 Features?
Now that FaceTime Video calling is here, every major new feature in iOS 12 is now available. What are some of your favorite new features in iOS 12? Screen Time perhaps? Or the group notifications? Share with us in the comments below.
