History of FaceTime in Timeline

FaceTime is Apple's proprietary videotelephony application. It allows users to make video and audio calls between supported iOS (iOS 4+) and macOS (Mac OS X 10.6.6+) devices. The service requires a forward-facing camera on both ends. FaceTime Audio, a feature providing audio-only calls, is available on devices running iOS 7+ and OS X 10.9.2+.

2002: Sarbanes-Oxley Act

In 2002, The Sarbanes-Oxley Act, was cited by Apple as a reason for charging US$0.99 for FaceTime, as it prevented providing an unadvertised new feature in an already-sold product without facing "onerous accounting measures".

June 7, 2010: FaceTime Announced

On June 7, 2010, Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced FaceTime alongside the iPhone 4 during a keynote speech at the 2010 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference.

June 2010: FaceTime Not Enabled in the United Arab Emirates

As of June 2010, FaceTime was not enabled on devices bought in the United Arab Emirates, possibly due to national regulations restricting IP-based communications.

September 8, 2010: FaceTime support announced for iPod Touch

On September 8, 2010, Support for the fourth-generation iPod Touch (the first model of iPod Touch equipped with cameras) was announced in conjunction with the device's release.

January 2011: Actiance

In January 2011, FaceTime Communications, the company from which Apple acquired the "FaceTime" name, changed its name to Actiance.

February 24, 2011: FaceTime leaves beta

On February 24, 2011, FaceTime exited its beta phase and became available for purchase in the Mac App Store for US$0.99.

March 2, 2011: FaceTime support announced for iPad 2

On March 2, 2011, Apple announced FaceTime support for the newly introduced iPad 2, which featured both front and rear-facing cameras.

May 2011: FaceTime Over 3G

In May 2011, it was discovered that FaceTime could function seamlessly over 3G networks on compatible iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch models, expanding its accessibility.

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2011: FaceTime Support

Since 2011, most Apple devices including iPhones, iPads, and Macs support FaceTime. FaceTime HD was also released.

June 10, 2013: FaceTime Audio Announced

On June 10, 2013, Apple announced FaceTime Audio during the WWDC keynote speech as a new audio-only version of FaceTime, which would be released with iOS 7.

September 18, 2013: FaceTime Audio Released with iOS 7

On September 18, 2013, FaceTime Audio was released with iOS 7. It effectively functions as a voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP) application that competes with other mainstream providers in the field, including Skype (Microsoft).

April 16, 2014: FaceTime Ceases Working on Older iOS Versions

On April 16, 2014, FaceTime stopped functioning on older iOS versions (iOS 4 and later) due to the expiration of the client-side certificate. Most users had to update their iOS version to continue using FaceTime.

March 2018: FaceTime Available for iPhones in Saudi Arabia

In March 2018, FaceTime was made available for iPhones in Saudi Arabia upon updating to iOS 11.3.

September 17, 2018: Walkie-Talkie Feature

On September 17, 2018, Apple released Walkie-Talkie, a limited FaceTime Audio-based communication feature for Apple Watch devices running watchOS 5.0 or later. The application allows users to have two-person calls similar to using a real walkie-talkie.

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2018: Group FaceTime

In 2018, Apple introduced group video and audio support to FaceTime, allowing up to 32 participants on iOS 12 and macOS Mojave.

January 28, 2019: FaceTime Eavesdropping Bug Discovered

On January 28, 2019, a bug was found in the FaceTime app allowing users to eavesdrop on others without their knowledge. Apple temporarily disabled Group FaceTime and later released a fix.

July 2019: Walkie-Talkie Feature Temporarily Disabled

In July 2019, Apple temporarily disabled the Walkie-Talkie feature from all Apple Watches due to a vulnerability that allowed a user to listen to another person's iPhone without consent.

August 2019: FaceTime Available for iPhones in Pakistan

In August 2019, FaceTime was made available for iPhones in Pakistan upon updating to iOS 12.4.

May 2021: Center Stage

In May 2021, the 5th generation iPad Pro introduced Center Stage, a feature that automatically adjusts the camera during FaceTime calls to keep the user in frame. This feature was later expanded to other iPads and Macs.

June 7, 2021: FaceTime for Android and Windows

On June 7, 2021, Apple announced at WWDC that FaceTime would be accessible on Android and Windows via the web. Additionally, SharePlay was introduced, enabling users on iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices to share media during FaceTime calls on iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and macOS Monterey.

2023: FaceTime on Apple TV 4K

In 2023, FaceTime was introduced to Apple TV 4K (second-generation and newer models) with tvOS 17. It requires a paired iPhone or iPad with iOS 17/iPadOS 17 and supports Center Stage and Split View with an A13 device or newer.

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December 2025: Roskomnadzor started to block FaceTime

On December 2025, Russian federal agency Roskomnadzor started to block FaceTime.

2025: Live Translations

In 2025, FaceTime added Live Translations to one-on-one calls for Apple Intelligence devices running iOS 26, enabling live transcription and translation of speech. Initially, support included English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish.