Apple recently released iOS 12.1.4, which fixed the Group FaceTime bug that allowed users to listen in and even view other users even if the recipient didn’t accept the call. While that flaw was patched, another bug is still present.
Unfortunately, Group FaceTime even under iOS 12.1.4 hasn’t quite been restored to its former functionality. A MacRumors forum thread started the day after 12.1.4’s release revealed users who found themselves unable to add more users to a FaceTime call. As it turns out, it appears that users are no longer able to add a person to a one-on-one FaceTime call. The “Add Person” button remains greyed out and inactive in this situation. The only way to add another person to a Group FaceTime call at this time is to start the call with at least two other people. This slight distinction appears to be the source of confusion for many users.
MacRumors forum user Bob-K persisted in his support calls with Apple, and was finally told that the “Add Person” button not working in that situation was a known issue and that they didn’t know when it would be fixed.
Apple Support’s Twitter account has indicated that the company is aware of the issue:
The workaround is apparently not always reliable, as at least one user reported being unable to consistently add people, even on a group call.
Although Apple is apparently aware of the issue, a timeline for when a possible fix might be released hasn’t been announced by the company. We’ll keep you posted, so stay tuned.