FaceTime on iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 has received several significant improvements, one of which I find particularly impressive is the ability to blur your background during calls. This feature enhances privacy and focuses attention on you rather than your surroundings. Here’s a simple guide on how to use this feature.

Whether you’re using FaceTime or any other messaging app that utilises the camera on your iPad or iPhone, you can blur your background by pulling down from the top right corner of your screen to access the Control Center. Once there, you’ll notice two new buttons at the top. Look for the one labelled ‘Video Effects’ and tap it, then enable ‘Portrait Video’. This function works similarly to Portrait Mode in photography, blurring the background while keeping you in focus.

After activating Portrait Video and returning to your call, you’ll notice that your background is blurred, adding a professional touch to your video chats. To reverse the effect, simply revisit the Control Center and turn off Portrait Video. Additionally, while in the Control Center, you can adjust your audio settings to either isolate your voice, minimizing background noise, or include ambient sounds in your call.

Through my experiments, Portrait Video consistently provides a clear focus on the speaker, effectively handling movements and changes in distance from the camera. This feature is a valuable addition to FaceTime, improving the call experience.

If you found this guide useful, please consider liking the video and subscribing to my channel for more iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 #QuickTips. There, you’ll find a wealth of information to help you get the most out of your devices.