WWDC 2021 Apple event unveils iOS 15 with new FaceTime features

(Image credit: Apple)

It's that time of year again! The WWDC 2021 event is officially underway, kicking off with an Apple Keynote that's introduced iOS 15 to Apple iPhones. This new software update features some great new camera and photo features, including updates to FaceTime, Live Text and Photo Memories.

With over a year of constant video calls under our collective belts, it's clear that Apple felt a substantial update to FaceTime was warranted. Billed as "more natural, comfortable and lifelike", the new FaceTime features are all about making it sound as if the people you're video calling are in the same room.

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This is partly due to 'Spatial Audio', which spreads out the sounds of multi-person video calls to make it sounds as if their voices are coming from the position they're spaced on your screen. Apple has now added a Voice Isolation feature, which uses machine learning to distinguish sounds and prioritize your voice so that it comes through crystal clear. Meanwhile, the 'Wide Spectrum' option is able to pick up a "wide symphony of sound".

Meanwhile, the video aspect of FaceTime has also seen an update, with users being able to select a Grid view option that enables you to see every face on the call. Plus, FaceTime now incorporates Portrait mode, giving users the ability to naturally blur the background and put the focus on you.

If you often take business calls on your iPhone, then you'll be pleased to hear that users will now be able to schedule calls with FaceTime Links. These links can be shared via iMessages, email and more. Plus, Android users can even join FaceTime Links as well.

Alternatively, if you prefer to use your iPhone for play rather than work, this next update is for you. SharePlay enables users to listen to music and watch videos with their friends over FaceTime. Platforms such as Disney Plus, HBO Max, TikTok and more will be integrated with FaceTime, enabling users to explore their favorite video content together.

With over a decade of photographic experience, Louise arms Digital Camera World with a wealth of knowledge on photographic technique and know-how – something at which she is so adept that she's delivered workshops for the likes of ITV and Sue Ryder. Louise also brings years of experience as both a web and print journalist, having served as features editor for Practical Photography magazine and contributing photography tutorials and camera analysis to titles including Digital Camera Magazine and Digital Photographer. Louise currently shoots with the Fujifilm X-T200 and the Nikon D800, capturing self-portraits and still life images, and is DCW's ecommerce editor, meaning that she knows good camera, lens and laptop deals when she sees them.

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