How to launch hearts and fireworks gestures during a FaceTime video call: which iPhones support them

FaceTime and other video calling apps have become an integral part of everyday communication for millions of people. Some people regularly hold online work meetings, some communicate with friends, and some study.

However, video calls have now reached a new level, as Apple has developed a feature that will allow the use of augmented reality effects. MakeUseOf explained how it works.

Reactions are augmented reality effects that occur when your iPhone's camera captures certain gestures during video calls on FaceTime, as well as WhatsApp and Google Meet.

Supported on which devices

To use this feature, you need to have iOS 17, iPadOS 17, or macOS Sonoma on your device. That is, you can send reactions if you have:

• iPhone 12 or later;
• iPad Pro 11 inches (3rd generation and later);
• iPad Pro 12.9 inches (5th generation and later);
• iPad Air (4th generation and later);
• iPad mini (6th generation);
• iPad (10th generation);
• Apple silicon Mac (M1 MacBook Air and later).

However, any user can receive a message with a reaction. That is, even if your interlocutor is using an Android device or an iPhone with iOS 16 and older, they can still see 3D effects that are activated by you.

What gestures can be used to trigger reactions during video calls

Reactions are enabled by default, so all you need to do is show one of the following gestures to the camera to trigger an augmented reality effect.

Heart

Make a heart with both hands.

Thumb up

Just lift one thumb.

Fireworks

Hold two thumbs up at the same time.

Thumb down

Put your thumb down.

Rain

Hold two thumbs down at the same time.

Balloons

Make a gesture of victory or peace with one hand.

Confetti

Make a victory or peace gesture with both hands.

Lasers

The last reaction has two interesting versions. Sometimes you will see a laser ball with smoke effects. Other times, it will be laser beams.

To activate one of them, make a horn sign with both hands.

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