Apple delays SharePlay rollout

Apple’s new group watching feature for iOS will not be ready when the next major operating system update launches in the Autumn, the company has confirmed.

The Apple SharePlay feature was initially revealed in June, and will allow users on a FaceTime call to simultaneously watch videos in sync with everyone else on the call. The feature will be implemented in streaming apps including Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Paramount+, PlutoTV and TikTok.

Apple has however informed developers via a blog post that SharePlay will be disabled in the next betas of iOS 15, iPadOS15, tvOS 15, and macOS Monterey and that the feature “will launch to the public in software updates later this fall.”

In its update, Apple said: “We’re thrilled with the high level of enthusiasm we’ve seen from the developer community for SharePlay, and we can’t wait to bring it to users so that they can experience your apps with their friends and family in a whole new way.”

In its developer blog earlier this month, Apple also revealed that the prices of apps and in-app purchases would decrease in the UK, South Africa and all territories that use the Euro as a result of tax and foreign exchange rate changes. Prices meanwhile were increased in Georgia and Tajikistan.