Apple, it seems, will be finally introducing the group video calling for FaceTime with iOS 11, according to new rumors.
The Verifier, an out-of-Israel technology blog, claims that Apple is planning to include the highly requested feature in FaceTime with iOS 11, to be released later in 2017. The blog cites people familiar with the matter.
"The next update, iOS 11, will include several new features, one of which is the option to place a multi-user video call on the FaceTime service. According to the information received on the site, the next update for the iOS 11 operating system will be more of a social update that will mainly focus on chat conversations in iMessage and FaceTime (translated)," notes the blog.
Apple or any other report has not supported the Verifier reports so far. The report also claims that the group calling feature will be initiated in iDevices by updating the iMessage on the iOS platform. The group calling feature on FaceTime will supposedly support calling of up to five members.
Currently, FaceTime supports only two users, which it has been doing since its inception and introduction to the world back in 2010. Group video calling isn't a new concept that has been proposed recently to Apple. Back in 2015, popular sitcom Modern Family did show group FaceTime in one of its Apple-related episodes.
Other video calling apps like Skype and Google Hangouts have long integrated the group calling feature in their systems, although Google's latest video calling app, Duo, supports single user-to-user calling like FaceTime.
Apple Sued Because Of FaceTime
FaceTime already courts a lot of trouble as Apple has been slapped with a lawsuit that claims a serious road accident occurred in Texas in 2014 because of FaceTime.
The lawsuit cited that Apple intentionally did not implement a patented technological feature in iPhones, which would have locked down FaceTime and prevented the user from deploying it while driving.
"Defendant Apple Inc. has had the technology to prevent these events, and the Modisettes' injuries, specifically since at least Dec. 12, 2008, when it filed an application with the U.S. Patent Office for a 'driver handheld computing device lock-out," stated the complaint against Apple.
During Christmas Eve 2014, James and Bethanny Modisette were traveling on Interstate I-35 along with their two children, Isabella and Moriah. Another car slammed into the Modisettes' car, gravely injuring both children. Although both the kids were rushed to the nearby hospital, the little girl succumbed to her injuries and was declared dead.
The accident took place because apparently, the driver in the other car was distracted by FaceTime, which was still running when the rescuers came to the accident scene.
With Apple looking to integrate group video calling with the arrival of iOS 11, iDevice owners have much to look forward to.
It is being predicted that Apple will reveal its iOS 11 and all other major updates at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference 2017, which is scheduled to be held in early June.
