Apple's invitations app with first feature update
Since February, the Apple app for event management on the iPhone has received new functions. So far, the company only updated sparingly.
Invitations app on the iPhone: part of iCloud+.
(Image: Apple)
Apple's Invites app, which was launched this year, allows iCloud+ users to plan and manage events such as parties, family reunions or sporting events. Although the manufacturer had regularly updated the app, there were no new functions even with the first Point release 1.1; Apple only ever fixed bugs and provided “performance improvements”. With Invitations 1.2, which has been available since this week, the iPhone manufacturer is now adding missing features for the first time.
Link tile as a “major update”
The “major update” (in Apple's own words): The program can now also transmit links in invitations for the first time. There is also a new link tile, “which allows your guests to be directed to gift or food lists for souvenirs and much more – directly in the event”, according to Apple. The function is implemented in such a way that links do not disappear, they always remain assigned to an event. The link tile consists of the link, a link title and a link description. Only Apple itself knows why this function was not previously part of invitations.
Videos by heise
What invitations still lack is a form of exemption from the Apple ecosystem: the company still requires invitees to have an Apple account (formerly Apple ID) to accept invitations. These appear either via the app (on the iPhone, if invitations are available) or on the web (via iCloud.com). It remains unclear whether Apple will address the issue of mandatory Apple accounts again. Access is free of charge, allowing the company to generate new “members”.
99 cents a month for invitees
As mentioned, the invitations app is only intended for iCloud+ users: Only they can create invitations, but they may also be accepted by free users. The iCloud+ subscription costs at least 99 cents per month. Finally, the app allows you to manage who is coming and who is not. You can also share playlists later and distribute photo series from the event via the app.
Due to the Apple account requirement, the application is particularly recommended for Apple-affine friends – unless you want to hear that Android friends are bothered by being forced by Apple to create an account.
Empfohlener redaktioneller Inhalt
Mit Ihrer Zustimmung wird hier ein externer Preisvergleich (heise Preisvergleich) geladen.
Ich bin damit einverstanden, dass mir externe Inhalte angezeigt werden. Damit können personenbezogene Daten an Drittplattformen (heise Preisvergleich) übermittelt werden. Mehr dazu in unserer Datenschutzerklärung.
(bsc)
