I have terrible phone signal where I live and being able to use FaceTime audio is like talking in HD.
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iOS 13.6 Enables FaceTime in the United Arab Emirates [Update: With Region Change]
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I have terrible phone signal where I live and being able to use FaceTime audio is like talking in HD.
Just to update this thread for anyone in this part of the world.
iOS 14 has retained FaceTime on UAE devices. It is still blocked on the telco side intermittently but works perfectly on my own home WiFi setup and outside of the country. Main takeaway is that if you live here you no longer need to buy devices outside the country (or grey imports) if you want FaceTime.
The other UAE related news is that ECG function is now active on UAE devices here as well as other parts of the Middle East.
iOS 14 has retained FaceTime on UAE devices. It is still blocked on the telco side intermittently but works perfectly on my own home WiFi setup and outside of the country. Main takeaway is that if you live here you no longer need to buy devices outside the country (or grey imports) if you want FaceTime.
The other UAE related news is that ECG function is now active on UAE devices here as well as other parts of the Middle East.
Great news, I didn’t see any announcement on the ECG and it does indeed work! On an unrelated topic, does anyone know if you buy an Apple Watch in the UAE, will the cellular option work on t mobile in the US? (Not roaming but to register it if I have an account w them) I notice the bands are same but not sure if it’s Esim locked to the region or local carriers.
Not sure about UAE but mine works fine when I travel internationally. I have Tmob and it gives me text and data where Tmob offers it internationally.
As far as I know the ESIM doesn’t come locked to a particular region or carrier, so you should be just fine. The only thing it doesn’t provide is roaming, but hopefully that will change soon since the new family setup feature will lead to having some standalone apple watches out there, whose owners will need roaming when they travel.
Seems like it’s fake info. FaceTime still not available in UAE. Not even in AppStore.
FaceTime isn't available in the United Arab Emirates. The carrier, not Apple, provides technical support for iPhone in this country or region. Might include an additional fee or requirement. Contact the carrier for more information.3 days ago
support.apple.com › en-us
FaceTime isn't available in the United Arab Emirates. The carrier, not Apple, provides technical support for iPhone in this country or region. Might include an additional fee or requirement. Contact the carrier for more information.3 days ago
support.apple.com › en-us
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It’s not fake info .... FaceTime is added to your device after the update ... you don’t get it from the App Store. Whether your carrier allows you to use it is another matter but having the app is a big step because the app was always removed from UAE models before this. You can certainly use it outside the uae and there are many ways that it will work inside uae on Wifi.
The wording is a bit ambiguous, but this is a big deal for iOS expat users here because that means buyers don’t have to order from third parties just for FaceTime.
exactly right ! .... all devices purchased from UAE Apple Stores now have FaceTime by default and any previously purchased devices will have it from the latest update.