FaceTime in iOS 12: Animoji Masks and Audio Filters

Apple's iOS 12 introduced dynamic camera effects directly within FaceTime, allowing users to personalize their video calls in real time. While the operating system brought full support for visual effects—most notably live Animoji and Memoji masks—it did not include native audio or voice-changing filters. Below is a breakdown of what features are supported, the device requirements, and how to use them during a call.

Animoji and Memoji Masks in iOS 12

You can use Animoji and custom Memoji masks during both one-on-one and Group FaceTime calls in iOS 12. These 3D animated avatars track your facial expressions and head movements in real time, replacing your face on screen while preserving your voice.

Requirements

To use Animoji and Memoji masks in FaceTime, you need an iOS device equipped with a TrueDepth camera system running iOS 12 or later. Supported models include:

  • iPhone X
  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max
  • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation) and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)

How to Apply an Animoji Mask During a Call

  1. Start or answer a FaceTime video call.
  2. Tap the screen to reveal the on-screen controls, then tap the star-shaped Effects button.
  3. Tap the Animoji icon (represented by a monkey).
  4. Swipe through the available Animoji characters or your custom Memoji, then tap the one you wish to use.
  5. Tap anywhere outside the tray or tap the X icon to return to the call with the mask active.
  6. To remove the mask, reopen the Animoji menu and tap the None icon (a circle with a slash).

Additional Visual Effects

Alongside Animoji, iOS 12 allows users on supported devices (iPhone 7 and later) to add several other real-time visual effects:

  • Built-in Filters: Styles such as Comic Book, Watercolor, Noir, and Film.
  • Text and Shapes: On-screen text bubbles, speech bubbles, and geometric shapes.
  • Sticker Packs: App Store stickers and Activity badges that can be pinned to the screen or your face.

Audio Filters in FaceTime

Apple does not include audio or voice-altering filters in iOS 12 FaceTime. When using an Animoji or Memoji mask, your actual voice transmits without distortion, modulation, or pitch shifting. While iOS 12 manages background noise reduction automatically via hardware microphones, there are no built-in settings or effects to alter how your voice sounds to other participants.