HOW TO Use the new FaceTime features >

1 Use Portrait mode

Launch FaceTime and tap or search for a contact, then tap the camera icon. When the call has started, you’ll see the image from your camera at the bottom left. Tap it to enlarge it and you’ll see four icons in the corners.

2 Blur your background

The icons are, from top left, Portrait, Minimise, Switch Camera, and Effects. Tap Portrait and your background will blur (handy for messy living spaces). If you tap the Effects button, you can swap your face for a Memoji or Animoji.

3 Create a link

To FaceTime with someone who doesn’t have an Apple device, you need to create a link to send them. Tap the FaceTime app, then tap Create Link. In the sheet that appears, tap Add Name. Type a name for the call. Tap OK.

4 Share the link

Once the link has been created, you can share it by tapping one of the suggested contacts in the share sheet, then tap one of the suggested apps to share it from there, or copy it using the Copy button on the share sheet.

5 Start the call

The link will appear on the FaceTime main screen under Upcoming. Tap it, then tap Join to join the call. If there is no one else in the call, you will see a message saying ‘Waiting for others to call.’ Otherwise, you’ll join the call.

6 Schedule a call

Links are useful for scheduling calls. Create one, copy it to the clipboard, then create an event in your preferred calendar app. Paste the link into the event and set a notification for the event time. You then just need to tap the link.