Creative new ways of self-expression with Facetime!
Everything About the New iOS 18 FaceTime Gestures
FaceTime, Apple’s audio/video communication platform, plays a central role in the Apple ecosystem. It’s one of the tools that make Apple’s ecosystem not only powerful but also fun to use.
While FaceTime gestures may seem similar to features in apps like WhatsApp calls or Teams, Apple takes communication to the next level with a focus on privacy via end-to-end encryption, seamless integration across devices, and support for advanced features such as FaceTime gestures and reactions.
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iOS 18 FaceTime Gestures: What You Can Do
Here’s a full list of FaceTime gestures you can use during your video calls with iOS 18:
- Hearts Gesture Make a heart shape using both hands, and watch as heart-shaped balloons float to the top of your screen. This fun gesture requires both hands free, so it works best when your device is mounted or stationary.
- Thumbs-Up and Thumbs-Down A simple thumbs-up or thumbs-down with either hand will display a large emoji in a thought bubble on the screen. It’s a clear, visual way to express your reaction.
- Fireworks Gesture A double thumbs-up results in fireworks and rockets popping off across your screen, adding a festive touch to your FaceTime gestures.
- Rain Gesture A double thumbs-down — made with both hands — will bring rain clouds and heavy rain, filling the screen with a dramatic effect.
- Balloons Gesture Throwing up a “victory” or V-sign will make balloons appear and float upwards, a celebratory gesture perfect for birthdays and special moments.
- Confetti Gesture Similar to balloons, raising your hands in a victory symbol triggers animated confetti and party poppers, bringing the celebration to life during your FaceTime call.
- Laser Burst Gesture For those in a party mood, making the “horns” sign with your index and little fingers will unleash dancing lasers flooding the screen, giving your call a true party vibe.
Note: All of these iOS 18 FaceTime gestures are available on devices running iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and tvOS 18 (with a connected camera). Some gestures are also available on older versions of the OS, but compatibility may vary across older and newer devices.