Group FaceTime for Mac is nearly ready for launch

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Group FaceTime Mac
The most significant improvement coming in macOS 10.14.1 is Group FaceTime.
Photo: Apple

Beta testing for macOS 10.14.1 began the day after the launch of its predecessor, macOS Mojave. A month later, the release of this new version could be drawing close.

Developers just got their hands on the fifth beta. Which might be the last.

Apple is about to release the iPhone XR this Friday. The debut might be accompanied with the introduction of iOS 12.1 — new handsets almost always debut running new iOS versions. The major feature of this next system software upgrade is Group FaceTime.

Not coincidentally, the signature feature of macOS 10.14.1 is also Group FaceTime. Enabling iPhone and iPad users to call multiple people simultaneously while Mac users can’t seems unlikely. So the iOS and macOS versions are almost certainly coming out on the same day.

There is another possibility, though.  New iPad Pro models are expected to be unveiled Oct. 30. The launch of iOS 12.1 — and also macOS 10.14.1 — could be on hold until those new tablets hit store shelves.

Get macOS 10.14.1 beta 5 now

Whatever the final release date, developers can already access the fifth beta of macOS 10.14.1.

This is not for the general public. Access requires enrolling in the Apple Developer Program and paying a $99 annual fee. A general release of macOS 10.14.1 beta 5 is expected shortly, however.

Mojave

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