Apple’s iOS 26 update, announced on Wednesday, introduces a surprising new privacy feature for FaceTime users: the app can automatically pause video and audio if it detects someone undressing during a call.
This unexpected innovation protects users from potentially embarrassing or sensitive moments caught on camera.
FaceTime’s new privacy shield pauses video on nudity detection
The iOS 26 developer beta includes a feature that uses on-device machine learning to identify real-time nudity during FaceTime calls.
Once detected, the video and audio freeze immediately, and a message appears: “Audio and video are paused because you may be showing something sensitive. If you feel uncomfortable, you should end the call.” Users then have the option to resume or end the call.
This feature is part of Apple’s broader Communication Safety tools. Initially designed to protect children’s accounts by intervening when sensitive content is detected, it now applies to all users in the beta version, signalling Apple’s commitment to enhancing privacy and safety for everyone.
Here’s how the feature works and what it means for users
The detection happens entirely on the user’s device, ensuring privacy by keeping all analysis local without sending data to Apple’s servers.
This means the company does not access or store any video or audio content related to the nudity detection.
The feature is off by default but can be enabled in FaceTime settings under “Sensitive Content Warning.”
Apple’s message during a paused call encourages users to make a safe choice, gently reminding them about the sensitivity of the content being shared.
This automatic intervention could prevent awkward or unintended moments from escalating during video chats, especially in professional or family settings.
The public beta of iOS 26, expected to launch in July 2025, will reveal whether this feature remains active for all users or is limited to specific accounts. Beta testers might experience unexpected call interruptions as the technology is refined.
This new FaceTime capability reflects Apple’s ongoing efforts to blend cutting-edge technology with user safety, making video calls more secure and respectful of personal boundaries.