Group FaceTime calls were once something avid Apple fans only dreamed of. Then, when Apple announced iOS 12, it promised FaceTime was not only gaining group calls for up to 32 people but fancy new Memoji as well.
Apple eventually had to pull the feature prior to the official launch of iOS 12, but promised the feature would be available in a future iOS 12 update. As of right now, the iOS 12.1 beta includes group FaceTime calling. Hopefully, Apple resolved whatever issue prevented the original release schedule, and we will see group FaceTime sooner than later.
Nonetheless, we can still take a look at what group calling looks like. There are a couple of different ways to create or join a group FaceTime call.
Watch this: Now you can group FaceTime with multiple friends
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Through the FaceTime app
Open the FaceTime app on your iOS device, then tap on the + sign in the top right corner. Search for and add who you want to call, and then tap either the green Audio or Video button at the bottom.
Using the Messages app
Calling someone via FaceTime has always been possible in the Messages app, but only in private conversation threads. Now, group messaging threads will have the option to call everyone in the group conversation. But instead of automatically calling everyone, FaceTime will send a message to the group, which includes a button to join the call. Here’s how it works:
- In a group conversation thread, tap the section at the top of the screen with the contact names and photos.
- A dropdown will present you with three options: Audio, FaceTime and Info. Tap FaceTime.
- A FaceTime group call will the open on your device, with placeholder images for every person in the group chat.
In the message thread itself, other participants will see a message letting them know a FaceTime call has been started, with a button to join the call. The message also includes the number of people active in the call. If someone needs to leave the call, the button to join will remain active as long as the call is active.
Originally published on July 19.
Update, Sept. 25: To reflect full release of iOS 12.