Users of Apple products won't enjoy Group FaceTime that will expand video calling for iPhone, iPad, and Mac of up to 32 persons anytime soon.
Developer Guilherme Rambo revealed that Apple has delayed the release of Group FaceTime, which was originally scheduled for the iOS 12 and macOS Mojave release. With the app, 32 participants can join a video call at the same time, where anyone has the option to manually select people to highlight in the main interface.
Group FaceTime Could Be Available In Fall
Rambo added that the Group FaceTime feature has been removed in the latest iOS 12 beta 7 that was scheduled to be released today. In a post by Rambo, Apple informed developers via a note that "Group FaceTime has been removed from the initial release of iOS 12." Also, Apple told developers that the feature will be shipped in a future software update later in the fall, according to the new build's release notes. Juli Clover of Mac Rumors added that Group FaceTime will be part of the first or second iOS 12 updates.
In June, Apple promised that Group FaceTime will be included in the iOS 12 upgrade. During its launch, the company listed some of the features of the iOS 12 update, claiming that it will make iPhones and iPads faster and more responsible.
"For iOS 12, we are doubling down on performance," software VP Craig Federighi said during the event, adding that the company is eyeing to improve the operating system's speed on iPhone and iPad models. In addition to improvements in the device, Apple users can also enjoy Memoji and Screen Time.
Delay Could Cost Apple When It Comes To Group Video Chats
The development came in the wake of the delay in Apple's AirPlay 2 introduction in iOS. The delay could also cost FaceTime when it comes to group video chats, as WhatsApp recently launched its own group video calling feature where up to four people can talk via video call. Facebook Messenger, Skype, and other video-calling cap also supports group calls.
Recently, the release of iOS 11 in September 2017 forced Apple to delay the introduction of several features until later in the year. The features that were initially announced, as part of the update include Apple Pay Cash, AirPlay 2, and Messages in iCloud.
Apple Pay Cash was later launched in December as part of the iOS 11.2 update, while Messages in iCloud and AirPlay 2 were furthered delayed and had to wait until the launch of iOS 11.4 in May.
