Apple's call effects make users 'laugh and cry'

Matt Haughey, a user on the social network Mastiodon, shared that a friend injured his hand and had to use a telemedicine platform (teleheath) to ask for help from a doctor. When asked about the condition of his hand injury, this person gave two thumbs up and the screen was suddenly filled with fireworks due to accidentally activating the 'congratulation' effect during Apple's FaceTime call.

Apple's call effects make users 'laugh and cry' Picture 1

On iOS 17 and macOS Sonoma, Apple defaults to the Interactive Effects feature for FaceTime calls to enhance the video call experience. When the camera detects that the user has their hands in a heart or V shape or thumbs up or down, effects such as hearts, fireworks, balloons. will automatically be broadcast on the screen.

Another user also shared a similar situation when discussing a serious lawsuit during a FaceTime call. The screen suddenly appeared with a balloon effect when the lawyer raised his finger to emphasize two important points of the lawsuit.

Although Apple's effects add to the experience of video calling, in certain situations it puts users in a 'laughing or crying' situation. Third-party platforms that integrate FaceTime as a communication tool are also affected by this effect. Due to Apple's features, platforms cannot intervene, but only instruct users how to turn off effects.

To turn off effects during FaceTime calls, users access FaceTime > swipe to open Control Center > click the Effects button > turn off lighting, portrait, or video interactive effects.

Currently Apple has not commented on this.

Jessica Tanner

Update 17 October 2023