iOS 6 Features: Cellular FaceTime for iPhone and iPad

Apple fans are no strangers to FaceTime, though video calls are yet to pick up steam as a standard communications method. That’s likely to change when iOS 6 arrives this fall.

Apple plans to make FaceTime even more accessible by enabling owners of all iDevices and Macintosh computers to place and receive calls on their preferred wireless connection.

When iOS 6 ships, you’ll be able to do it on your 3G connection, or on 4G LTE using the third-generation iPad.

“FaceTime now works over cellular networks as well as Wi-Fi, so you can make and receive FaceTime calls wherever you happen to be,” Apple states.

“You can even make and receive FaceTime calls on your iPad using your phone number. That means you can use FaceTime wherever you are, on any device. And never miss another wink, smile, air kiss, or eye roll.”

The fine print on Apple’s marketing page for iOS 6 expressly states that if you plan on using FaceTime over a cellular network, you’re going to need an iPhone 4S or a third-gen iPad with cellular data capability.


No other iDevices will support cellular FaceTime, such as the iPhone 4, despite boasting a front-facing camera and 3G capabilities.

Carrier data charges will, of course, apply in many cases. Finally, Apple asks users to note that FaceTime will not be available in all countries.

Akin to Skype, FaceTime is a video-chatting standard bound to the Apple ecosystem. In other words, you need to own either a Mac, or an iDevice to use it. The newer iPod touches also support it, but only over WiFi (naturally, since the iPod touch doesn’t do cellular at all).

iOS 6 is currently in the hands of beta testers enrolled with Apple. The public release is scheduled for autumn, around which time Apple should also unveil its next-generation iPhone.

Via: iOS 6 Features: Cellular FaceTime for iPhone and iPad