Apple disables Group FaceTime feature following widespread privacy bug

iPhone XS Max

Soon subsequently it was discovered a widespread security flaw allows Group FaceTime users to listen in on conversations before a call has been answered, Apple tree has completely disabled the feature.

As information technology stands right now, Group FaceTime is "temporarily unavailable" on iOS and macOS.

Launching a previous Grouping FaceTime chat from the platform'due south 'Call History' results in the call attempting to launch, declining to go through and non properly cancelling (I was really forced to turn my phone off and on again). Further, starting a new multi-person call results in a 'temporarily unavailable' message appearing.

The security flaw, which was first reported by Bloomberg and9to5Mac, appears to only occur with Group FaceTime calls.MobileSyrup was able to independently confirm and replicate the flaw with an iPhone 8 Plus running iOS 12.ane.two and an iPhone X on iOS 12.ane.3.

In order to replicate the security flaw, users demand to launch a conference call, input someone's phone number and and then add the number of an additional contact. While waiting for the first person to pick upwardly, if the second participant answers, the audio feed from the first contact is automatically turned on, assuasive you to hear what their mic is picking upward even if they don't reply.

Apple tree says it will release an update afterward this week to fix the exploit. The issues is non present in the nigh recent public beta version of iOS 12.2.

In order to conciliate FaceTime on your iOS device, navigate to 'Settings,' then tap on 'FaceTime' and select 'Off.'

Update 02/01/2019: Apple has released the post-obit statement about the Group FaceTime glitch, stating that the company is "meliorate the process" regarding problems like this beingness reported.

"Nosotros accept fixed the Group FaceTime security bug on Apple'south server's and we volition issue a security update to re-enable the feature for users side by side week. Nosotros give thanks the Thompson family for reporting the bug.

We sincerely apologize to our customers who were affected and all who were concerned most this security issue. Nosotros appreciate anybody'due south patience as we complete this procedure.

Nosotros want to assure our customers that as soon equally our technology squad became enlightened of the details necessary to reproduce the but, they chop-chop disabled Group FaceTime and began piece of work on the ready. We are committed to improving the procedure by which nosotros receive and escalate these reports, in lodge to go them to the right people as fast as possible.

We have the security of our products extremely seriously and nosotros are committed to standing to earn the trust Apple customers place in us."