iOS 11 rumored to introduce FaceTime group video calls

Ever since its introduction, Apple's FaceTime has been limited to call between two people, regardless of the device being used. This might finally be changing later this year, as a new rumor suggests that the upcoming iOS 11 will have FaceTime supporting group video calls. While we're still several months away from iOS 11's likely debut at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, a group call feature would have FaceTime catching up with rival platforms such as Skype and Google Hangouts.

The report of this rumor comes from the Israel-based website The Verifier, which admittedly doesn't have a track record when it comes to Apple news. However, the site says it has heard from "several people familiar with iOS development," and that some of the work on iOS 11 is being done in Israel.

As for FaceTime's group video calling feature itself, it's said that it will support up to five users at once, with calls able to be started from group conversations in iMessage. With iOS 10's focus on overhauling iMessage, introducing long-missing features such as stickers, apps, and animations, it's easy to see Apple upgrading FaceTime in a similar, social-heavy manner.

We've heard very little about iOS 11 details, so this rumor should be taken with a grain of salt. However, group video calls have long been a request of iOS and macOS users, so if this turns out to be true, it will make plenty of people happy.

SOURCE The Verifier