phone vs FaceTime app?

[Morac]

From a basic standpoint it would seem like phone calls from an iPhone now go to the phone app and FaceTime calls go to the FaceTime, but if you dig into the settings, there are things that don't support that. For example, the "Calls from iPhone" setting and the setting to update the WiFi calling emergency address is still under the settings for the FaceTime app, though "Calls from Other Devices" is now under the Phone app.

There are also separate "Silence Unknown Callers" and "Call Filtering" options in the Phone and FaceTime app.

Finally under the defaults for calling apps, you can pick "FaceTime Audio" or "Calls from iPhone". I'm not sure what FaceTime Audio would do if you call a number that doesn't support FaceTime.

Does the FaceTime app now only support FaceTime and the settings are in the wrong place or does both the FaceTime and Phone app support calls from iPhone?

 

[kkclstuff]

its SNAFU. I ranted here...

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/sound-in-the-mac-phone-app-doesnt-work.2461126/post-34151046

 

[deleon]

I was just going to post asking this question. But why are there even two apps? It seems like the phone app can do everything the FaceTime app can. Like in phone, I can click the name and start a regular call, ft audio or regular ft. So not sure what purpose the FaceTime app has anymore now that a phone app was created.

 

[erihp]

I was just going to post asking this question. But why are there even two apps? It seems like the phone app can do everything the FaceTime app can. Like in phone, I can click the name and start a regular call, ft audio or regular ft. So not sure what purpose the FaceTime app has anymore now that a phone app was created.

I agree it is a bit redundant and could be combined.

But if you dont have (a) cellular (device), exclusively using the Facetime app makes sense.

Without cellular service a dial/number pad and Phone app you cant use makes less sense. iPads for example do not have the Phone app.

 

[Morac]

It looks like Apple just moved the phone app from iOS to the iPad. If you go the the Phone app settings on the iPad, there is an option to use your iPhone to make calls on your iPad, which makes absolutely no sense.

 

[kkclstuff]

I imagine the overlap between FaceTime and Phone will homogenize in future iterations of macOS/iOS (personally Im surprised it's taken this long considering the development of Continuity over a decade ago). Im sure if the enduser is seeing this as 'strange',  is already moving in a direction that will eliminate/correct 'that thing' in the future. Unfortunately we're not privy to 's development decisions and direction—which is why MR site is so popular 🤣

well for the same reason I like having phone access on my Mac, I could appreciate having that same access from my iPadPro. I like that if im in the kitchen cooking with iPad, I could quickly dial up Mom to ask her about that recipe—without needing to run into the next room/downstairs/etc to grab my phone. <or feel free to insert scenario/emergency of your choice here>

The idea that we should ALWAYS have our phones tethered/next to us is a burden some overlook, the flexibility of not needing it—priceless.