FaceTime

Yes, since iOS 15 in 2021, Apple allows FaceTime hosts to generate a web link that Android and Windows users can open in a browser to join a FaceTime call. The non-Apple participant does not need an Apple device or Apple ID, though the call must still be initiated by an Apple user. The browser-based experience provides video and audio but may lack some features available on native Apple devices.

Yes, Apple states that FaceTime calls are end-to-end encrypted, meaning the communication is encrypted on the sender's device and only decrypted on the recipient's device, with no intermediate party holding the keys. This applies to both FaceTime video and FaceTime audio calls. The encryption protocol has been a key privacy differentiator for Apple compared to some competing services.

Group FaceTime supports up to 32 participants simultaneously across iPhones, iPads, and Macs. The interface automatically tiles participants and highlights whoever is speaking, using on-device intelligence to manage the layout. This feature was introduced in iOS 12.1 and has been available on all modern Apple devices since.

Yes, FaceTime works over both Wi-Fi and cellular networks, and when used on cellular data it consumes data from your mobile plan. A typical FaceTime video call can use roughly 80 MB or more per several minutes depending on video quality. FaceTime audio calls use significantly less data than video calls, making them a practical option on limited data plans.