A particularly serious bug in iOS 12.1.3 has paralyzed Facetime for groups. An update already announced by Apple is currently being rolled out.
A serious error recently crept into Facetime for groups. The bug makes it possible to use Facetime to tap into the microphone of another caller. To use the bug, a contact must be called via Facetime - assuming the caller does not answer immediately. So while the cell phone is ringing, the caller must add another contact. Here, their own phone number is entered. Once this is done, the microphone starts transmitting - while the called person's phone continues to ring.
No iOS 12.1.4? No Group Facetime
The error only occurred on devices that support Group Facetime. To prevent further abuse, Apple has disabled the Group Facetime function on the server side. The statement said that Cupertino had already found a solution and fixed the error. A software update should follow. iOS 12.1.4 has now been rolled out. Anyone who wants to use the service in the future is forced to use at least iOS 12.1.4 or newer on their iPhone or iPad. The update seems to focus only on the Facetime affair. More bug fixes have not been undertaken – nor are any new features to be expected.
