Group FaceTime for your iOS device

Users of the Apple iPhone are already using to FaceTime to stay in touch with friends, now they can take it to the next level with Group FaceTime, .
allowing you to include upto 32 people during a video chat call

The new Group FaceTime feature was introduced with the iOS 12.1 update, making FaceTime more fun and flexible, with simple ways to add another person, join an active FaceTime call, or use the same camera effects available in Messages to add stickers, filters or appear to friends and family as an Animoji or Memoji. When an invitation is received, people can choose to join using audio or video from iPhone, iPad and Mac.

Some key features of the enchanced FaceTime experience include:
Automatic detection of active speakers, Ringless notification, Messages integration and Private Mode.

You can start a Group FaceTime right from the FaceTime app or from a group conversation in the Messages app. The tile of the person speaking gets larger automatically, so you’ll never lose track of the conversation. 
To use Group FaceTime video calls, you need an iPhone 6s or later, iPad Pro or later, iPad Air 2, or iPad Mini 4 with iOS 12.1. Earlier models of iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch that support iOS 12.1 can join Group FaceTime calls as audio participants.

If you haven’t already updated, go toSettings > General > Software Update and download the new software. Once you have iOS 12.1, you’ll be able to make those Group FaceTime calls. 

Using the FaceTime App: 
Open the FaceTime app on your iOS device, then tap on the + sign in the top right corner. Search for and add who you want to call, and then tap either the green Audio or Video button at the bottom.

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Using the Messages App:
Calling someone via FaceTime has always been possible in the Messages app, but only in private conversation threads. Now, group messaging threads will have the option to call everyone in the group conversation. But instead of automatically calling everyone, FaceTime will send a message to the group, which includes a button to join the call.

• In a group conversation thread, tap the section at the top of the screen with the contact names and photos.
• A dropdown will present you with three options: Audio, FaceTime and Info. Tap FaceTime.
• A FaceTime group call will then open on your device, with placeholder images for every person in the group chat.

In the message thread itself, other participants will see a message letting them know a FaceTime call has been started, with a button to join the call. The message also includes the number of people active in the call. If someone needs to leave the call, the button to join will remain active as long as the call is active.