I spent some time exploring SharePlay on FaceTime and Messages. In this detailed guide, you’ll learn everything about SharePlay in iOS 16.
What is Apple SharePlay?Which devices and services support SharePlay?How to SharePlay in Messages in iOS 16How to use SharePlay on FaceTime on iPhoneCan I use FaceTime SharePlay with Android and Windows?
What is Apple SharePlay?
SharePlay enables you to watch or listen to content together on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac during a FaceTime call or via Messages. You can binge movies and shows, listen to the same playlist, and even share your screen. Remarkably, everyone can control what’s playing, so a person on the call can play, pause or skip forward according to their convenience. While SharePlay in FaceTime or Messages isn’t offering some novelty, the essence of this feature lies in its deep integration within the Apple ecosystem. Thus, you can conveniently share and enjoy various types of content in real time with your friends.
Which devices and services support SharePlay?
Compatible devices FaceTime SharePlay is available for devices running iOS 15, iPadOS 15, tvOS 15, and macOS Monterey and above. However, SharePlay via Messages is a relatively new feature available with iOS 16, iPadOS 16, tvOS 16, and macOS Ventura. Note: iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura will release in October. Compatible apps and services SharePlay supports Apple Music, Apple Fitness+, Apple TV+, Disney+, TikTok, HBO Max, NBA, Paramount+, SHOWTIME, TikTok, Twitch, and many more apps and games. However, compatibility is one part; the next big step is a subscription. Remember that you will need an active subscription of the app/content being SharePlay.
How to SharePlay in Messages in iOS 16
How to use SharePlay on FaceTime on iPhone
As mentioned above, you can share music, watch movies/shows, and share screens via FaceTime SharePlay. So, let’s see how it’s done. Like Spotify Group Sessions, you can now listen to music with your friends on FaceTime. Here’s how.
How to share music on FaceTime in iOS 16
This will start playing the song on both devices. Moreover, you can invite more of your friends and listen to the song together in sync, and everyone on the call will have control over the playback. They need to have the app installed on their device and subscribed to the same.
Start a watch party using FaceTime SharePlay
Note: For watching movies or shows together with your friends on FaceTime, you’ll need to have the supported app, and you also need to be subscribed to the streaming service being used during the call. The movie or TV show will start playing in sync on everyone’s device. You will also be able to chat with each other. In addition, every user on the call will have playback controls. Note: You can also use your Apple TV to stream the content while chatting with your friends on your iPhone.
How to Screen Share via FaceTime
As you may already know, screen sharing refers to the ability to present your screen and enable others to watch it in real-time using video conferencing apps like Zoom. FaceTime now enables you to do this and beyond using its SharePlay feature (as explained above).
Can I use FaceTime SharePlay with Android and Windows?
As of now, SharePlay is exclusive to Apple devices. Sharing screen, music, or streaming content with Android or Windows devices over FaceTime is not possible. However, you can now FaceTime call your friends on Android or Windows devices using the FaceTime link; hopefully, a future update might bring the feature to our iPhones, iPads, and Macs. I hope this guide helped you understand everything about SharePlay and how to use it on your iOS 16 device. What do you think about this feature? And do you want to know more about the new features announced at the WWDC21? Share in the comments below. You may also like:
How to Collaborate on projects using MessagesHow to use FaceTime Handoff on iPhone, iPad, and MacHow to use SharePlay on Apple TV
