With the launch of iOS 12.1, Apple has introduced Group FaceTime, a feature that makes it easy to talk to multiple people at once. In fact, the feature supports of up to 32 people.

To use Group FaceTime, you need to update your device to iOS 12.1, and you need an iPhone 6s or later, iPad Pro or later, iPad Air 2, or iPad Mini 4. If you have an older device, you can still join a Group FaceTime, but only as an audio participant.

When you join a Group FaceTime, you’ll see tiles of the people who are on the call; the tile of the person speaking will get larger, making it easy to know who’s currently speaking.

You can start a FaceTime call one of two ways. You can open the FaceTime app and start a call from there, or you can do it through the Messages app. Here’s how to use Group FaceTime.

CALL FROM THE FACETIME APP

  1. Open FaceTime and tap on the + icon
  2. Enter the name or number of the contact you want to call
  3. To start the call, tap on the Audio or Video buttons

CALL FROM THE MESSAGES APP

  1. In a group conversation, click on the contacts at the top
  2. Tap on the FaceTime icon

ADD A PERSON, USE EFFECTS

When you’re in a FaceTime call, you can use camera effects, including filters, text, and shapes. You can also use an Animoji or Memoji if you own an iPhone or iPad with Face ID. Additionally, you can join a FaceTime call that’s already in progress by tapping the join button from a group conversation or through the FaceTime app.

  1. During a FaceTime call, tap the fan icon next to the big red x.
  2. From there, you can choose the effect you want to use.

If you want to add a person

  1. Tap on the + icon
  2. Tap the Add Person icon
  3. Enter the contact’s name