All articles tagged with #facetime
Apple released security-only patches for several long-retired iOS/iPadOS versions (iOS 12.5.8, 15.8.6, 16.7.13) to refresh certificates so iMessage, FaceTime, and Apple ID sign-in continue working after expiration, extending minimal usefulness of old devices without adding features or fixes; modern hardware remains necessary for full functionality and some apps/browsing may still lag.
Apple's upcoming iPad Pro may feature a second front-facing camera positioned at the top, enhancing FaceTime, selfies, and Face ID usability regardless of device orientation, alongside an upgraded M5 chip, with a potential launch as early as fall.
The beta version of iOS 26 introduces a new privacy feature for FaceTime that detects nudity and pauses the video, displaying a warning message. This feature, which is off by default and can be enabled in settings, is designed to enhance safety, especially for child accounts, by analyzing content on-device without Apple accessing the media. Its availability and functionality may change as it remains in testing.
In the iOS 26 beta, FaceTime will freeze video and audio if nudity is detected, displaying a warning and offering options to resume or end the call. This feature, initially aimed at child safety, may also apply to adults, raising privacy concerns, though it appears to operate on-device to protect user privacy.
Apple is expected to release a new Apple TV 4K this fall, with rumors suggesting a major hardware overhaul including a more powerful chip, in-house Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and potentially a built-in camera, as hinted by the recent tvOS 26 update which enhances FaceTime features and user profiles, indicating a focus on improved videoconferencing capabilities.
Apple announced a new Live Translation feature at WWDC 2025, enabling real-time translation across Messages, FaceTime, and Phone calls, with all processing done on-device to ensure privacy. The feature translates text messages, provides live captions during FaceTime calls, and translates spoken words during phone conversations, with API support for developers. The number of supported languages has not been disclosed.
Apple TV has received a major redesign with tvOS 26, introducing personalized FaceTime features, new aerial screen savers from India, and enhanced customization options, all aimed at enriching the home entertainment experience.
Apple is reportedly developing a smart display for home control, featuring a 6-inch screen with sensors for presence detection and a FaceTime camera. The device will run on a new operating system called homeOS, supporting video calls, smart home controls, and core apps like Notes and Safari. It will integrate with Apple's HomeKit ecosystem and focus on music playback and intercom functionality. The device, codenamed J490, is expected to launch in 2025, with pricing similar to Google's Nest Hub Max and Amazon's Echo Hub.
Apple is reportedly considering adding a built-in camera to its upcoming Apple TV, potentially expanding the FaceTime feature. This move could have parallels to Microsoft's abandoned Kinect and Skype integration for Xbox, leaving Microsoft users without a similar option. The potential integration of a camera into Apple TV aligns with the company's focus on creating a seamless ecosystem across its devices, while Microsoft's approach to device connectivity differs.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggests that a future Apple TV may include a built-in camera for FaceTime and other video calling apps, potentially supporting gesture-based controls. Apple has also considered a "lightweight smart display" for home use. It is unclear when these devices will be released, but Gurman previously reported a new Apple TV in the first half of 2024. Additionally, there are rumors about the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, batterygate claims in Canada, Tim Cook's stock sales, delayed iPad releases, and Apple's exploration of personal robotics projects.
Apple's Vision Pro personas, previously limited to FaceTime calls, can now be used in SharePlay-enabled apps to collaborate, play games, or watch media with others, creating a "spatial Persona" experience that simulates being in the same physical space as another user. Users can control what they see and reposition objects without affecting others, and spatial audio helps sense the other person's location. The feature requires VisionOS 1.1 and selecting the spatial Persona option during a FaceTime call, with up to five participants allowed.
Apple has introduced Spatial Personas for Vision Pro users in a public beta, allowing for a more immersive and lifelike experience during FaceTime calls by displaying body language and movement. The feature supports up to five participants and requires visionOS 1.1 or later, offering a transparent background and a sense of physical presence.
Apple is launching a beta spatial Persona feature for Apple Vision Pro users, allowing them to feel more present and interact with others in a shared virtual space during FaceTime calls. The feature, showcased at WWDC 2023, enables users to move around, collaborate, and make eye contact with up to five participants at a time. Spatial Personas will be available for Vision Pro users running visionOS 1.1 or later, offering a more human-like experience and enhancing virtual interactions.
Apple has released 'Spatial Personas' in public beta on Vision Pro, upgrading its avatar system to create a more realistic face-to-face experience. The new feature allows avatars to be rendered in a shared space without a frame, making it feel like users are standing right next to each other during FaceTime calls. Spatial Personas also enable shared movie viewing and collaborative activities, with the ability to synchronize movements and interact with virtual environments. The upgrade is a significant improvement to Apple's avatar system, with more enhancements expected as the feature remains in beta.
Kate Middleton has been FaceTiming her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, from the hospital where she is recovering after undergoing planned abdominal surgery. Her husband, Prince William, is taking care of the children at home in Windsor while she remains under medical care. The royal couple's focus is on prioritizing family, with a motto of "100% family first, day job second." Meanwhile, other members of the royal family, including King Charles and Sarah Ferguson, have also faced health issues recently.