iPhone bug lets you hear FaceTime call recipient - before they pick up
Apple makes group FaceTime calls unavailable as it works to patch the glitch in a software update later this week.
Tuesday 29 January 2019 13:02, UK
Apple is working to release a software patch later this week after it emerged a bug allowed iPhone users to hear audio from users who are yet to accept a video call.
The bug allows those using the FaceTime video calling feature to hear audio from the recipient's device - even if they have not answered the call.
The bug appears to rely on Apple's group video calling feature, which it announced last year but later removed from early test versions of its iOS 12 operating system.
Group video calling was later released to the public in October.
According to The Verge, the glitch takes place when you start a FaceTime call and add your own phone number to the call before the recipient answers.
FaceTime appears to assume an active conference call is taking place and starts sending the audio of the person being called without them having to pick up.
The website also noted the recipient's camera could also be viewed if they press the power or volume button to try and ignore the call.
An Apple spokesperson said: "We're aware of this issue and we have identified a fix that will be released in a software update later this week."
The group FaceTime feature was temporarily made unavailable due to an ongoing issue, according to the tech giant's system status website.
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey was among those warning iPhone users about the bug.
He tweeted: "Disable FaceTime for now until Apple fixes."