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FaceTime Launching on Apple TV With iPhone and iPad Camera Support

Apple today announced that FaceTime is launching on Apple TV as part of tvOS 17. The feature will take advantage of Apple's Continuity Camera feature, allowing for people to use a wirelessly connected iPhone or iPad camera to participate in a video call.

FaceTime Apple TV
Users will be able to start a FaceTime call directly from the new FaceTime app on Apple TV, or hand off a FaceTime call from an iPhone or iPad to your TV. The feature requires a second-generation Apple TV 4K or newer updated to tvOS 17, as well as any iPhone or iPad model updated to iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 for camera and microphone functionality.

FaceTime on the Apple TV supports Center Stage, an existing feature that keeps people perfectly framed on the screen, even as they move around. New gesture-based reactions allow callers to use their hands to initiate on-screen effects, such as hearts or fireworks. FaceTime calls can be transferred back to an iPhone or iPad as needed.

tvOS 17 and iOS 17 are available in beta starting today, and the software updates will be released to the public later this year.

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Top Rated Comments

40 months ago
This is so obvious it’s painful. Here I was hoping for a HomePod soundbar with a Facetime camera; this is so much better.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ID_Field_Blank Avatar
40 months ago
I like this! Does anybody know what phone stand that is they’ve used in the screenshot above? Looks quite nice
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
40 months ago
I wish I could hook up a webcam to an AppleTV to make this work.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
40 months ago
I really wish we had this back in 2020...
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dugbug Avatar
40 months ago
I have wanted this for so long. we usually throw the iphone display up on the tv and its awkward to set up.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
40 months ago

Also, finally, there is a family use case, being an international couple, where on xmases, birthdays etc. We dial in family members that cant make it in person, to say hi. Again, being able to connect them to one of the AppleTVs (in the kitchen/dining room or livingroom), would be an upgrade on the always slightly award that assures when one of the elderly relatives abroad wants to say hi to everybody.

Is it life changing? No. Is it super innovative? No. Is it a nice feature to have? Yes.
This would be perfect for those events where people just turn on FaceTime to let family be present. With my family spread across multiple continents it is sometimes good to just have FaceTime on even if you are not talking all the time just to feel more connected. It would have been great when my kids were little.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)