Apple Unveils Surprise iPhone App for Event Invitations

Apple has quietly launched a brand-new iPhone app, Apple Invites, designed to help users send and manage event invitations seamlessly. The app, part of an update to Apple’s Calendar experience, is now live and available for iCloud+ subscribers.

A Long-Awaited Feature

On February 4, Apple announced the release of Apple Invites, calling it “a new app that brings people together for life’s special moments.” The launch was predicted just days earlier by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who hinted at an imminent rollout.

Unlike traditional event invitation methods, Apple Invites offers a more interactive and visually appealing approach. Users can select images from their photo library or a curated gallery to create invitations tailored to different occasions.

Exclusive to iCloud+ Users, But Open to All Guests

The app is free to download but exclusively available to iCloud+ subscribers. However, RSVPing doesn’t require an iCloud+ subscription or even an Apple device—anyone can respond to an invitation, making it widely accessible.

Smart Integrations for a Seamless Experience

Apple Invites goes beyond just sending invitations. Integrated with Apple Maps and Weather, it provides guests with event directions and real-time weather forecasts. Additionally, users with compatible iPhones can leverage Apple Intelligence and Image Playground to generate original event-themed visuals.

Hints from Previous Leaks

Earlier reports from 9to5Mac and Bloomberg suggested that Apple was working on a new iCloud-based service, internally dubbed Confetti. Initially believed to be either a Calendar or iMessage extension, the feature is now a standalone app.

The app’s functionality appears to be powered by iOS 18’s GroupKit, a system designed to manage group interactions. It displays a list of invitees and their RSVP statuses, hinting at possible deeper integration with iMessage and other Apple services in the future.

A Step Toward a Smarter Calendar

For years, Apple has been exploring ways to improve its Calendar app, and Apple Invites may mark the beginning of a broader revamp. The app debuted alongside iOS 18.3, which rolled out last Monday, and could evolve further with future updates.

Apple has yet to make an official statement on additional features or expansions, but with Apple Invites now live, it’s clear that the company is making a significant move toward a more user-friendly event-planning experience.