iOS 11 rumors: FaceTime to start allowing group video calls?

The rumored iOS 11 update could bring the highly requested FaceTime video group calls, if the speculations turn out to be true.

Israeli technology news website The Verifier cited sources claiming to be knowledgeable about the iOS development said that the Cupertino-based tech giant will debut the iOS 11 in June 2017. The new mobile operating system (OS) will reportedly come out with several improvements on its social features such as the video calling app FaceTime and its exclusive Apple chat app called the iMessenger.

According to the site's sources, FaceTime will finally allow group video calls that can accommodate up to five people at a time. The group call could reportedly begin with a group chat on iMessenger.

Group video calls for FaceTime is one of the most-requested features for iOS and Mac devices to make it at par with Microsoft's Skype video calling app. But Apple developers has yet to include the said feature in their operating system.

Since its launch in 2010, FaceTime is known for allowing up to two users to talk with each other at a time. The update could mean that Apple is already trying to keep up with the competition by allowing their users to get what they want.

However, The Verifier is not yet proven to be an accurate source for iOS-related rumors. This means that rumors about the possible inclusion of the group video calls on FaceTime should still be taken with a grain of salt.

If the group calling features for FaceTime turns out to be true, it will find its way to the next-generation Apple iPhones that are expected to be released this fall. However, the official contents of the upcoming iOS version are expected to be presented by the developers during the annual Apple Worldwide Developers Conference that is normally held by the tech giant sometime in June.