New 'Exposure Detection' Feature Introduced in Beta Version
Some Users Raise Privacy Concerns
Apple is introducing a new 'Exposure Detection' feature to its video call service FaceTime. This feature automatically pauses the call if physical exposure is detected during a video call.
In the second beta version of iOS 26, if sensitive situations such as undressing during a call occur, the system automatically stops audio and video and displays a warning message. Getty Images
According to U.S. IT media outlets such as Engadget, Apple has implemented this feature on a trial basis in the recently released second beta version of iOS 26.
When this feature is enabled, if a sensitive situation such as undressing occurs during a call, the system automatically stops audio and video and displays a warning message.
The Exposure Detection feature was first discovered and introduced by '@iDeviceHelpus', a user on the social networking service X (formerly Twitter). He explained, "If sensitive exposure occurs during a FaceTime call, the call is temporarily paused, and a notification appears asking whether you want to continue or end the call."
Warning message for the newly added 'Exposure Detection' feature in Apple's video call service FaceTime [Image source=@iDeviceHelpus X capture]
He also released a screenshot of the warning message, which reads, "Audio and video will be paused due to sensitive content. If you feel uncomfortable, please end the call." This feature is disabled by default and can be manually enabled by users in the settings menu.
Previously, when Apple announced iOS 26, the company stated that it would strengthen the 'Communication Safety' feature to enhance child protection. However, in this beta version, the feature has also been applied to general users, including adult accounts, causing some confusion.
iOS 26 second beta version adds a feature that displays a warning message saying, "Audio and video will be paused due to sensitive content. If you feel uncomfortable, please end the call." Getty Images
IT media outlet 9to5Mac reported, "It is unclear whether this feature will be provided to all users in the future, or if it was originally intended only for child accounts but was mistakenly applied due to a bug." Engadget also added, "There is a possibility that it may not be included in the final public release." Whether it will be included in the official version will be determined based on future testing results and user feedback.
Some users have voiced concerns that Apple could be infringing on privacy by monitoring users' calls.
However, Apple emphasized on its official 'Communication Safety' information page that "the feature operates based on on-device machine learning, and no information is transmitted to or stored on Apple servers." The determination of exposure is made entirely on the user's device, and Apple cannot access actual photos or call content.
Apple is scheduled to officially release iOS 26 in the second half of this year.
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