Apple has launched an exciting new app called Invites, designed for creating, sending, and managing stunning invitations directly from your iPhone. Whether you’re planning a birthday bash or a casual gathering, the Invites app simplifies the invitation process and makes RSVP management a breeze. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about using the Invites app effectively.
What is the Apple Invites App?
The Apple Invites app focuses entirely on event invitations. With this user-friendly app, you can create beautiful invites featuring custom backgrounds, track RSVPs, and collaborate on shared photo albums and playlists through Apple Music with other guests. Notably, the app extends accessibility to everyone, as it’s also available as a web app, allowing non-Apple users to join in on the fun.
However, it’s important to note that only iCloud+ subscribers can create invitations. As an attendee, you can RSVP to events, leave events, or contribute to shared albums and playlists created by the host. You can modify your RSVP status or leave the event whenever needed.
How to Download the Apple Invites App on iPhone
To get the Apple Invites app, follow these simple steps:
- Open the App Store on your iPhone.
- Tap the Search tab at the bottom and enter “Invites.”
- Select the Invites app and hit the Get button.
- Alternatively, you can directly access it via this App Store link or visit icloud.com/invites and sign in with your Apple account. Don’t have one? Creating an Apple account is free!
Before proceeding, ensure that you meet the following requirements to use the Apple Invites app:
- You must have iOS 18.0 or later on your iPhone.
- To create invites, an iCloud+ subscription is necessary, although RSVPing does not require a subscription.
- For shared playlists, an Apple Music subscription is essential.
How to Create Event Invites with the Apple Invites App
Once you’ve installed the Apple Invites app, creating event invites is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Launch the Apple Invites app on your iPhone.
- Tap the plus (+) icon in the top right corner to start a new invite.
- Select Add Background to customize your invite.
- Choose Photos to pull an image from your library, or tap Camera to capture a new photo. Apple also provides pre-made templates featuring Emoji, Photographic, or Colors collections.
- If your iPhone supports Apple Intelligence, enable it to use the Image Playground experience for unique backgrounds.
- Edit the background by tapping Edit Background to crop or change it.
- Input the Event Title and select a font from available options.
- Tap Date and Time to specify when the event will occur, including start times and if it’s an all-day event. Conclude this step by tapping Done.
- Specify the Location by entering the address and optional name.
- Tap Hosted by to write a description and modify the host’s name if desired.
- Select Create Album to set up a shared album for guests to add photos.
- Tap Add Playlist to create a collaborative playlist for the event.
Note: An Apple Music subscription is required to set up playlists in the Invites app. Guests who want to listen or contribute to the playlist must also have a subscription.
After entering all these details:
- Hit Preview to see what your invite will look like.
- If all looks good, tap on Next to publish the invite.
How to Invite Guests to Your Event Using the Apple Invites App
Once the event is published, you can invite guests. The invite screen appears automatically after publishing, but you can also access it later:
- Ensure you’re in the Upcoming or Hosting tab from the dropdown menu.
- Select the desired event.
- Tap on Invite Guests on the event page.
You can invite guests using two methods:
Public Link: Create a publicly accessible link for RSVP. To manage guest entries manually, turn on Approve Guests before sharing the link through Messages, Mail, Share Link, or Copy Link.
Invite Individuals: Send unique, one-time RSVP links. Tap on Invite Individuals and choose contacts or share with others not on your list.
Note: When inviting individuals, you must share links one at a time.
Managing Guests and RSVPs in the Apple Invites App
After inviting guests, you can easily manage RSVP requests, including approvals and removals:
- Open the event and tap on Invite Guests.
- Scroll down to find manual approval requests if enabled. Tap the check to approve or the cross to deny requests.
- To view guest details, tap a guest’s name. From here, you can change their access level or remove them from the event.
How to RSVP to an Event on the Apple Invites App
If you’ve received an invitation or a public link, here’s how to RSVP:
- Open the event invite within the Invites app or on iCloud.com.
- Sign in with your Apple account if prompted.
- For events with public links, tap Continue to join.
- Approval may be needed from the host if set; otherwise, you can RSVP immediately.
- Open the event from the app and select your RSVP status – Going, Not Going, or Maybe.
- Add an optional message and tap Submit. You can alter your response anytime and resubmit.
The Apple Invites app streamlines the process of inviting guests to various events, making event management simple and efficient. While it’s an excellent tool for people within the Apple ecosystem, it’s accessible to non-Apple users, ensuring everyone can join in on the fun.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Apple Invites App
1. Is the Apple Invites app free to use?
The Apple Invites app is free to download and use for RSVP purposes. However, creating invites requires an iCloud+ subscription.
2. Can non-Apple users participate in events created with the Apple Invites app?
Yes, the app is also available as a web app, allowing non-Apple users to RSVP and participate in events.
3. Do I need an Apple Music subscription to create a playlist in the app?
Absolutely, an Apple Music subscription is required to create and share playlists within the Invites app.
4. How do I change my RSVP status once I’ve submitted it?
You can easily modify your RSVP status by opening the event in the Invites app and selecting a different response.
5. Can I set a public link for my event invites?
Yes, the app provides an option to create a public link that anyone can use to RSVP to your event.