Apple has recently launched a new event planning app called Invites, designed to simplify the process of creating and managing custom invitations for various occasions.
The innovative tool allows users to create, share, and RSVP to invitations, as well as contribute to shared photo albums and curate playlists for events. The app is positioned as a competitor to popular invitation apps like Partiful, which was recognised as Google Play’s Best App of 2024.
Key Features of Apple Invites
One of the standout features of Apple Invites is its accessibility. While creating an invitation requires an iCloud+ subscription (priced at just US$0.99 per month), anyone can respond to an invitation without needing an iCloud+ subscription or even an Apple device. This makes it universally accessible for guests across different platforms.
In addition to basic invitation management, users can set up shared albums where attendees can upload photos and videos from the event. This feature requires only a free Apple Account, making it easy for everyone involved in the event to save memories and relive them later.
For music enthusiasts, Invites also allows hosts with active Apple Music subscriptions to create collaborative playlists that guests can contribute to before or during events.
How to Use Apple Invites
Creating Events
To start creating an event in the Invites app:
- Open the app on your iPhone or access it via icloud.com/invites on the web.
- Tap “New Event” (or tap the plus sign in the upper-right corner if using iOS).
- Choose a background image from your library or use one provided by Apple. Alternatively, you can use Image Playground if you have a compatible iPhone model like iPhone 15 Pro or later.
- Enter your event title and select a font style.
- Set your event date and time. This will automatically include weather forecasts for that day.
- Add location details. This integrates with Maps for directions.
Once you have created your event details, you can preview how it looks before sending out invitations.
Adding Shared Albums or Playlists
To boost engagement:
- Create a Shared Album by tapping “Create Album.” Guests can upload photos here during or after events.
- To add music, select “Add Playlist” if you have an active Apple Music subscription.
Both shared albums and playlists are named after your event by default but allow customisation if desired.
Sending Invitations
To invite guests:
- Tap “Invite Guests.”
- Share via Messages/Mail apps directly or copy/share links through any other messaging platform available on iOS devices.
- You also have options like copying links manually so they can be pasted anywhere online (e.g., social media posts).
After inviting guests, hosts have additional tools at their disposal. They can send notes visible only within their guest list—perfect for last-minute updates such as location changes or reminders about weather conditions.