Apple launched its Invites app this week, offering a new way for iPhone users to plan parties and other events. The app allows users to create custom invitations with photos, maps, and even shared Apple Music playlists.
Invites integrates deeply with Apple's ecosystem. Hosts can choose photos from their library or use AI to generate custom images. Location integration taps into Apple Maps and Weather, allowing users to send directions and provide a forecast for the event day. Guests can RSVP, contribute to a shared photo album, and add to a collaborative Apple Music playlist.
While the app is free to download on the App Store for iPhones running iOS 18 or later, creating and sending invitations requires an iCloud+ subscription, which starts at $0.99 per month. Guests can respond to invitations and participate in shared albums and playlists without a subscription or even an Apple account.
Setting up an event as an organizer is relatively straightforward. Users can select a background, enter the event title, date, time, location, and description, and even create a shared photo album or Apple Music playlist. The location feature uses an Apple Maps-style search field, and the date picker allows users to include an end time.
However, the setup process isn't without its quirks. Enabling a shared playlist requires creating an Apple Music Profile, which is separate from simply being an Apple Music subscriber. Sharing contact information also presents some unclear choices, as users must select between sharing selected contacts or all contacts, without the option to share nothing at all.
Recipients receive invitations via Messages or email, but the process of responding can be confusing. Tapping the link takes users to icloud.com and prompts them to sign in, even though signing in is optional. As AppleInsider points out, it would be better if Apple presented a bespoke sign-in that makes it clear that signing in is optional.
Once an invite is sent, the organizer can track RSVPs and see who plans to attend. Those who accept can then contribute photos and music to the party, provided they are iPhone users with the Apple Invites app.
Apple Invites enters a crowded market of event-planning apps, competing directly with services like Partiful. Partiful responded humorously on social media, calling Apple's offering a "copycat." Despite the competition, Apple's existing user base of over 2 billion active devices gives it a significant advantage.
Despite some rough edges, Apple Invites leverages many of Apple’s existing services, including Maps, Music, Photos, Contacts, and Messages. It integrates with iCloud+ features like expanded storage and Private Relay, potentially driving more users toward paid subscriptions.
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