iOS 11 release date, features, news: iOS update rumored to introduce group calls via FaceTime

The 11th version of Apple's mobile operating system (OS) isn't expected to arrive until later this year but details about its features are already coming to light. According to the latest reports, iOS 11 will introduce something that has long been requested by users.

Israeli publication The Verifier has revealed that the upcoming iOS update will finally allow iPhone and iPad users to make group video calls using FaceTime. This particular feature, while unconfirmed, was said to have been validated against "several people familiar with [the] iOS development process," which is said to be partly developed in Israel.

If proven to be true, with iOS 11, group conversations on iMessage will feature a FaceTime icon and pressing this icon would allow video calls with up to five people at once.

The Verifier added that iOS 11 will focus on the "social" experience of users so significant tweaks to apps like iMessage and Facetime are to be expected. It was also noted that while there was no guarantee that group video calls would be included in the iOS 11 update, the feature is indeed in development so it could be released at a later date.

Furthermore, the addition of group calls to iOS 11 isn't that far-fetched as this feature is already pretty common in other apps like Microsoft's Skype and Google Hangouts.

Aside from group calls, there are also rumors that iOS 11 will introduce a more natural-sounding Siri with significant upgrades to her artificial intelligence (AI). Dark Mode is also a highly-anticipated feature as it will provide users with a more comfortable viewing experience at night or in low-light environments.

There are also a few Apple users who have been requesting the return of the slide to lock functionality as those who are using older Apple devices do not have the Touch ID fingerprint scanner, making the process of unlocking their device a tad cumbersome.

iOS 11 will most likely be introduced during Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June with the beta version of the update launching soon after. The final and official version of iOS 11 will begin rolling out to mobile devices in September.