iOS 26 brings a new FaceTime safety feature that freezes video and audio if nudity is detected. Originally meant for kids, it is now seemingly affecting adults too. Here’s what you need to know.
With iOS 26, If Someone Starts Undressing During a FaceTime Call, Video and Audio Feed Will Automatically Freeze
Yes, you read that right. FaceTime in iOS 26 may now pause your call mid-strip, even if it’s an adult conversation.
New FaceTime Nudity Detection in iOS 26
This feature was originally introduced under Communication Safety tools for child accounts. As Apple explained at WWDC:
“Communication Safety expands to intervene when nudity is detected in FaceTime video calls, and to blur out nudity in Shared Albums in Photos.”
However, 9to5Mac points out that according to early testers in the iOS 26 beta, this FaceTime nudity detection is currently triggering for adults too.
On X, iDeviceHelp has posted the privacy feature in action. When activated, the screen freezes, and a message appears warning about detected nudity, with options to resume or end the call.
Related: iOS 26 Beta Reveals Fix for Failed iPhone Updates Due to Low Storage
Is This a Bug or a Privacy Feature for All?
Apple hasn’t officially commented yet, so we don’t know if this behavior is intended or just a beta bug. But what’s important to understand is how it works:
- On-device machine learning is used to detect nudity.
- Apple doesn’t receive any data. All analysis happens privately, on your iPhone.
- You get control: either resume or exit the call.
This keeps things private while adding an extra layer of FaceTime security in iOS 26.
Related: How to Disable iOS 26 Full-Screen Screenshot Pop-Up and Auto Visual Intelligence
Related: Apple Confirms EU Won’t Get All iOS 26 Features Due to DMA
Should You Be Concerned?
Some might find this intrusive, but considering it’s entirely on-device, there’s no need to worry about Apple spying. If anything, it’s a clear signal that Apple is committed to digital wellbeing, even if the lines blur between child safety and adult privacy.
Final Thoughts
As Apple continues refining iOS 26, we’ll likely get clarity on whether this FaceTime safety feature is for everyone or just child accounts. Either way, it’s an interesting twist, and one more thing you didn’t expect your iPhone to do.
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