iOS 12 Update: How To Make Group FaceTime Calls

Apple isn’t publicly rolling out iOS 12 until later this fall, but it’s now been confirmed that the software update will introduce the long-awaited Group FaceTime. The new feature is going to allow users of iOS-powered devices to engage in a video chat with many people simultaneously.

MacRumors reported Friday that Group FaceTime is designed to simultaneously accommodate up to 32 people in one video chat. This is said to be possible thanks to a unique tiled interface that will come with the feature.

Ever since the launch of FaceTime, Apple’s proprietary videotelephony application only enabled one-on-one conversations. Later this year, this will drastically change since users would then be able to engage in group chats. Nonetheless, it’s important to point out that the feature will only be available to those who have iOS 12 installed on their devices.

Group FaceTime is relatively easy to use. One must know how to launch the feature and how the chat options work to engage in a group chat. Check out the steps below to learn the different ways to start a Group FaceTime or join a session.

Initiating a Group FaceTime

If you are the one who is planning to launch a session, you need to know that there are two ways to start a Group FaceTime. The first one is through the FaceTime app. The second one is using the Messages app.

When using the FaceTime app. Tap on the “+” button in the upper right hand corner and in the “To” field, you need to key in a name and tap it. You can then add other people into the conversation by typing their names before tapping on either the audio or the video option. All of the people you typed will receive a notification, letting them know that you want to FaceTime with them.

If you are using the Messages app on the other hand, you can initiate a session by opening up an existing multi-person conversation or creating a new iMessage chat thread. You will see the names of the chat participants listed at the top. From there, tap to bring up a menu bar where you can choose the “FaceTime” option to quickly switch from a text-based conversation to a Group FaceTime.

Joining a Group FaceTime

If you are not the one who started the Group FaceTime, you can still join a live session. As mentioned earlier, you will receive a notification if someone added you in a group chat using the FaceTime app. When you are using the Messages app, you can still join the conversation because the app will show the members of the thread who are engaging in a Group FaceTime. You will also be presented with a “Join” button, which you should tap to join the session.

Group FaceTime will totally change the way iOS users communicate with other people using FaceTime. Unfortunately, not everyone will have access to the new feature and its audio and video options. The iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3 and iPad Air will only be allowed to use Group FaceTime’s audio option. The video option will be available only to the iPhone 6s, iPhone SE, iPad mini 4, iPad Air 2 and newer devices.