iOS 15: How to FaceTime Android Users

[MacRumors]

In iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, you can enable anyone, even if they don't have an Apple device, to join a FaceTime call with you by creating a link to a FaceTime conversation that can be shared anywhere.

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Using this new link facility, friends and family members who do not have an Apple account can log into a FaceTime call with you using a web browser opened on any non-Apple device, whether that's a Windows PC or an Android phone.

This effectively makes FaceTime a platform-agnostic video service, although you do need to be an iOS or Mac user to start the FaceTime call and send the link. Here's how it works in iOS 15 and iPadOS 15.

1. Launch the FaceTime app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap Create Link.
3. Give your FaceTime Link an identifiable name by tapping Add Name at the top of the Actions menu that appears.
4. Select a method of sharing your link from the Actions menu, e.g. over Messages or Mail.

Once you've sent the link and the recipient opens it, they'll be directed to a web page where they can enter their name to join the conversation. Once they've joined the call, they'll have the usual FaceTime options to mute their microphone, disable video, switch the camera view, and leave the call.

For more information on all the new FaceTime features in iOS 15, be sure to check out our upcoming dedicated guide.

Article Link: iOS 15: How to FaceTime Android Users

 

[Radeon85]

Would have been so much simpler if they made an app for Android/Windows instead of this sharing a link crap.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I like that Apple has made it very simple. I have seen rumors of Android in the wild but, I have never seen one. . j/k This will come in handy with some family members who have still not seen the light.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

I agree! I don't think the browser link is going to be much of a success. Should have definitely focus on building an App where any android and iOS user can use.

Why not convert this link browser to a direct app like Facetime?

However... This is one step forward... Better than nothing.

Forward-thinking...

 

[_Spinn_]

This will be handy for some family members still on Android.

 

[Nik]

Apple still does not understand network effects properly. That's also why WhatsApp ate their lunch and why iMessage is pretty much irrelevant.

 

[hot-gril]

I appreciate it when websites just work without making me download an app or log in. Especially something this full-featured.

 

[InGen]

Apple still does not understand network effects properly. That's also why WhatsApp ate their lunch and why iMessage is pretty much irrelevant.

iMessage is very relevant I’m not sure what data set your looking at, perhaps the one that filters through your bias. What makes you think Apple wants to be the most utilised communication application provider in the world? Do you know how much responsibility and problems come along with having a communication platform used by billions of people worldwide? Apple has no need to chase that title against WhatsApp when it can simply focus on making iMessage a highly secure, respected, stable and pleasant experience for Apple users.

People here are very quick to point out what Apple has done wrong in their eyes and offer their expert solutions, without wondering if they even understand the vision and trajectory Apple is on as a company.

So much short sightedness as always

 

[iSayuSay]

Would have been so much simpler if they made an app for Android/Windows instead of this sharing a link crap.

Eventually it will become an app. Apple might be testing the water. Or simply too proud to open up a convenient way to join a facetime call for competitors.

 

[MacFan23]

Too proud to open up a convenient way to join a facetime call for competitors.

Or more likely, just don't see the business case. Unless they're going the charge for the service on non Apple products, the only way it generates them any revenue is if it halos people on to future Apple purchases.

 

[hot-gril]

Or more likely, just don't see the business case. Unless they're going the charge for the service on non Apple products, the only way it generates them any revenue is if it halos people on to future Apple purchases.

Yeah, I see this as only a way to make FaceTime more usable for friend groups that have a few Android users in them.

 

[iSayuSay]

Or more likely, just don't see the business case. Unless they're going the charge for the service on non Apple products, the only way it generates them any revenue is if it halos people on to future Apple purchases.

Apple could probably bundle it as a part of Apple One service? I mean iCloud+ was launched as an added value for icloud subscribers. Also the long-awaited lossless/Atmos upgrade for Apple Music, which also coming to Android.

 

[Seoras]

I just love this indifference to Android as anything but a machine that can run a browser.
Speaking as someone who's endured the ghost town that is Google Play, and its developer portal, I don't blame them.
Frankly, from my experience there, I'd say Google's just as indifferent to Apps on Android as Apple is.

 

[danielfgom]

As a former Apple fan and now ardent Android user, the best way to invite an Android user to a Facetime call is to: install Google Duo on your iPhone and call them using that.

Google Duo is cross platform and works fantastically. Honestly, Apple only did this because in the US most people use iPhone (it's American) and they're hoping to win over people's Android relatives.

Time will tell whether this works.

As for the rest of the world,.Google Duo, Zoom,.WhatsApp and other services already dominate and no one is going to move to iPhone just for Facetime.

 

[Abazigal]

Would have been so much simpler if they made an app for Android/Windows instead of this sharing a link crap.

Feels like the whole point is to irritate the android user enough that he switches to an iPhone.

 

[iSayuSay]

Feels like the whole point is to irritate the android user enough that he switches to an iPhone.

Just giving them a bit of the breadcrumbs. If they want the whole sandwich, well they know what to do LOL.

 

[steve62388]

Apple still does not understand network effects properly. That's also why WhatsApp ate their lunch and why iMessage is pretty much irrelevant.

It depends where in the world you live. I believe it’s very popular in the United States where iPhones have a large market share.

 

[steve62388]

Five bucks says that when iOS 15 is released Apple won’t have planned ahead for enough server capacity, lots of people will rush to try out FaceTime on Android and have a terrible first experience because of overload.

 

[cknlol]

Apple still does not understand network effects properly. That's also why WhatsApp ate their lunch and why iMessage is pretty much irrelevant.

Totally market dependent. NA is a big iMessage country whereas Whatsapp dominates in Europe and parts of Asia.

 

[iGMX]

As a former Apple fan and now ardent Android user, the best way to invite an Android user to a Facetime call is to: install Google Duo on your iPhone and call them using that.

Google Duo is cross platform and works fantastically. Honestly, Apple only did this because in the US most people use iPhone (it's American) and they're hoping to win over people's Android relatives.

Time will tell whether this works.

As for the rest of the world,.Google Duo, Zoom,.WhatsApp and other services already dominate and no one is going to move to iPhone just for Facetime.

Nobody uses Duo… except you and your imaginary Android friends I guess.

 

[chris1958]

Nobody uses Duo… except you and your imaginary Android friends I guess.

I never used Facetime but I love Duo.

BTW, the nice thing about Android is that people are just using it and don't waste their time pestering people, who know that competition is the thing that drives progress.

 

[Phaseangle]

I agree! I don't think the browser link is going to be much of a success. Should have definitely focus on building an App where any android and iOS user can use.

Why not convert this link browser to a direct app like Facetime?

However... This is one step forward... Better than nothing.

Forward-thinking...

If this link a permanent link to the facetime user then it might be able to used in android address book.
If not Apple might allow others to call via a webpage

 

[Phaseangle]

I never used Facetime but I love Duo.

BTW, the nice thing about Android is that people are just using it and don't waste their time pestering people, who know that competition is the thing that drives progress.

Apple is competition to Android and yes Android would not have progressed much without Apples competition.

 

[Apple_Robert]

As a former Apple fan and now ardent Android user, the best way to invite an Android user to a Facetime call is to: install Google Duo on your iPhone and call them using that.

Google Duo is cross platform and works fantastically. Honestly, Apple only did this because in the US most people use iPhone (it's American) and they're hoping to win over people's Android relatives.

Time will tell whether this works.

As for the rest of the world,.Google Duo, Zoom,.WhatsApp and other services already dominate and no one is going to move to iPhone just for Facetime.

The whole point of this thread is focusing on the fact that people don't have to move to iPhone in order to use FaceTime with someone else who does have an iPhone.

No way I would use anything Google. They have shown too many times they can't be trusted. I am not going to be the product for Google.

 

[Phone Junky]

I was kind of happy when I saw iOS15 was going to allow people with Android to use FaceTime. My daughter has an Android phone and this would work for us.

Then I saw the convoluted way of doing it through a web browser. WTF? And only the person with the Apple device can start a call?

I guess we'll continue to use WhatsApp which has worked perfectly for us and either one of us can initiate the call.