iOS 26 Introduces Unexpected FaceTime Call Freeze Feature
Apple’s upcoming iOS 26 update has introduced a controversial feature that has sparked debate among users. According to reports from 9to5Mac, the new version of FaceTime will automatically pause audio and video during calls if it detects nudity, displaying a warning message. This feature was initially intended for family safety, but it seems to be active for all users, including adults. The update’s beta version has raised concerns about unintended consequences, as the feature operates on-device without Apple’s knowledge of call contents.
The feature, which appears to have been discovered in the iOS 26 beta, is part of Apple’s broader Communication Safety tools, which were introduced to enhance family safety during video calls. However, the implementation in the beta version suggests that it may affect all users, leading to confusion and potential misuse. Reports from users on X.com, such as iDeviceHelp, indicate that the warning message appears when the system detects nudity, offering users the option to end the call or resume it. Apple’s official statement from last month highlighted the expansion of Communication Safety to intervene when nudity is detected in FaceTime calls, but the application to all users has raised questions about the intended functionality and potential overreach.
Experts and users are now awaiting further clarification from Apple on whether this is an intentional feature or a bug in the beta version. With everything processed on-device, Apple has no access to the contents of the calls, which raises concerns about privacy and the unintended consequences of such automated monitoring. For now, the feature remains an active topic of discussion among tech enthusiasts and privacy advocates, as the final version of iOS 26 approaches.