You no longer need an iPhone to FaceTime. How to use it on Android or Windows

Android and Windows users have a reason to celebrate: Soon, you'll be able to join your iPhone-wielding friends on FaceTime calls. Apple revealed the news at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday, alongside a number of other updates to iOS, iPadOS and MacOS. 

FaceTime is getting several upgrades in the upcoming iOS 15 operating system that will make it look and work more like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, including a participant grid view and the ability to schedule calls. The new OS will also bring spatial audio to FaceTime, which will make people's voices sound like they're coming from their position on screen for a more natural feel. But perhaps most exciting is opening up access to non-Apple devices -- at least when using a web browser. 

iOS 15 will be generally released in the fall (here's how to download the developer beta version now). Once you've downloaded the new operating system, here's how you'll be able to join FaceTime calls, no matter what device you're using.

If you're using an Android or Windows device and have a friend or family member with an Apple device, they can send you a link to a FaceTime call through text, email, WhatsApp or calendar invite. Once you get the link, all you have to do is click on it, and it will open in your browser. You can join the call from there. That's it! 

One caveat to this update: To schedule or start a FaceTime call, you'll need to have an Apple device and an Apple account. Then, you can create a shareable link to invite others, who can join from their browser on Android or Windows devices -- no Apple account needed. But those participants won't be able to enter the call until the Apple user who set it up approves them. 

Apple noted at WWDC that even on the web, FaceTime calls are always end-to-end encrypted. 

For more, check out these FaceTime tips and tricks, and everything else to know about iOS 15.