Group FaceTime Audio Only in iOS 12

Users can participate in Group FaceTime calls using only audio in iOS 12. Apple designed the feature to accommodate up to 32 participants simultaneously, offering the flexibility to connect via full video or FaceTime Audio. This guide explains how audio-only participation works, how to join or start an audio call, and how older hardware constraints affect the experience.

Starting a Group FaceTime Audio Call

You can initiate an audio-only Group FaceTime call directly through the FaceTime app or within a group conversation in the Messages app.

  1. Open the FaceTime app on your device running iOS 12.1.4 or later.
  2. Tap the + (plus) icon in the top-right corner.
  3. Enter the names, phone numbers, or Apple IDs of the people you want to call.
  4. Instead of tapping the Video button, tap the green Audio button to start the group call.

If you are using the Messages app:

  1. Open the group conversation.
  2. Tap the contact profile pictures at the top of the screen.
  3. Tap the Audio option to launch an audio-only conference with the group.

Turning Off Video During an Active Call

If you join a standard Group FaceTime video call, you can disable your camera at any point to switch to an audio-only feed.

  1. Tap the screen while inside the active call to reveal the on-screen controls.
  2. Swipe up on the control menu.
  3. Tap the Camera Off button.

Once your camera is disabled, your video tile will be replaced by your initials or your contact card photo. You will still be able to hear everyone, speak to the group, and view the video feeds of other participants.

Hardware Limitations and Audio-Only Devices

In iOS 12, Apple limited live video functionality for Group FaceTime based on hardware processing power. Certain older iOS devices that run iOS 12 are restricted exclusively to audio participation in Group FaceTime calls.

The following devices can join Group FaceTime calls as audio-only participants, even if the host initiates a video call:

  • iPhone 5s
  • iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus
  • iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, and iPad mini 4
  • iPad Air
  • iPod touch (6th generation)

Users on these devices cannot broadcast their own video, nor can they view the video feeds of other callers. Instead, the interface automatically loads an audio interface, allowing them to speak and listen without overburdening the device's hardware. Devices equipped with the A8X chip or newer (such as the iPhone 6s and newer) support full two-way audio and video.