Apple has introduced a new app, Apple Invites, designed to simplify event planning while adding a touch of creativity. Announced today, the app is available for iPhone users running iOS 18 or later and can also be accessed via the web. However, there’s a catch: creating invitations is exclusive to iCloud+ subscribers, though anyone can RSVP, even without an Apple device.
What is Apple Invites?
Apple Invites is a custom invitation app aimed at making event planning seamless and engaging. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, baby shower, or business meeting, the app combines Apple’s ecosystem of services—like iCloud, Maps, Weather, and Apple Music—to offer a polished experience.
Key features
- Customisable invitations: Users can personalise invites with images from their photo library or choose from a curated gallery of backgrounds. Fonts and layouts are also customisable.
- Integrated tools: Apple’s Maps and Weather apps provide attendees with directions and weather forecasts for the event day.
- Collaborative albums: Event participants can contribute photos and videos to a shared album, creating a collective memory bank.
- Event soundtracks: Apple Music subscribers can curate collaborative playlists for events, allowing guests to add their favourite tracks.
- AI-powered creativity: The app leverages “Image Playground” to generate unique visuals based on text descriptions and “Writing Tools” to craft the perfect invitation wording.
Host and guest experience
Hosts have full control over their events. They can:
- Share invitations via links or directly within the app.
- Track RSVPs in real-time.
- Choose which details—like location or background image—are visible in the invite preview.
Guests can RSVP easily through the app or web, without needing an Apple ID or iCloud+ subscription. They also have privacy controls to manage how their information appears to others.
What sets it apart?
Apple Invites isn’t just about sending digital invites; it’s about creating an immersive event experience. From collaborative playlists to shared albums, it aims to keep the excitement alive before, during, and after the event. However, it’s worth noting that some users may find its lack of integration with video conferencing platforms like Zoom or Webex limiting for virtual events.
The cost of exclusivity
While the app itself is free to download from the App Store, creating invitations requires an iCloud+ subscription. Plans start at €0.99 per month and include additional perks like expanded cloud storage, Private Relay for secure browsing, and custom email domains.
Competition in the market
Apple Invites enters a crowded space dominated by platforms like Partiful (a Gen Z favourite) and Paperless Post. While its integration with Apple’s ecosystem offers a unique edge, competitors often provide free-to-use options without subscription barriers.
Availability
Starting today, Apple Invites is available globally on the App Store and via iCloud’s website. However, some features may be region-specific.With its sleek design and rich feature set, Apple Invites could become a go-to tool for event planning—provided you’re already invested in Apple’s ecosystem. For those outside it or unwilling to pay for iCloud+, alternatives may still hold sway.
