Apple Announces FaceTime Updates

FaceTime Updates Announced at WWDC 2021

More than a year following the start of the global pandemic, Apple unveiled significant enhancements to its FaceTime application during WWDC 2021. These updates will be integrated into iOS 15.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

A key development is the ability for Android users to participate in FaceTime calls. This introduces direct competition to established platforms like Zoom and Google Meet, which experienced substantial growth during periods of lockdown.

The FaceTime redesign also incorporates shareable call links. These links can be distributed through calendar invitations prior to scheduled meetings. Importantly, these links function seamlessly across various platforms, including the web, Android devices, and iPhones.

Enhanced Realism in Video Calls

Apple is implementing updates designed to make FaceTime video chats more closely mimic in-person interactions.

According to Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering, video calls often lack the subtle social cues present in face-to-face conversations, leading to feelings of fatigue. The goal is to create a more natural and comfortable calling experience.

Spatial Audio and Voice Isolation

A spatial audio feature will simulate the experience of being in the same room as call participants. Audio will emanate from the corresponding side of the speaker based on the speaker’s position on the screen.

This feature may be more impactful on larger devices like an iMac than on smaller iPhones.

During active speaking, a white ring will visually highlight the current speaker’s video feed. Users can also choose a grid view to display all participants, similar to the layout offered by Zoom.

Voice isolation is another addition, intended to improve audio clarity for callers in noisy environments. A demonstration showcased the feature effectively blocking out background noise, though some observers noted the demo appeared edited.