Apple has quietly launched a new iPhone app aimed at helping users invite others to parties and events, marking a significant update to the Calendar app. The app, named Invites, is now available and can also be used on the web. It’s designed for anyone who wants to send invitations, while anyone can receive them, regardless of device type.
A standout feature of the app is its deep integration with the iPhone, especially for iCloud+ users, though it’s still useful for those without an iCloud+ subscription or an iPhone.
The Invites app, which was officially announced on February 4, 2025, brings people together to celebrate important moments. This release aligns with a prediction made by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman earlier this week. The app is free to download for iCloud+ subscribers and lets users create personalised invitations. However, recipients don’t need an iCloud+ account or an Apple device to RSVP—they can do so from any platform.
To create an invitation, users can select an image from their own photo library or choose from the app’s curated collection of event-themed backgrounds. The app even taps into Apple Maps and Weather to provide directions to the event and offer a forecast for the day.
Another cool feature is its integration with Apple’s Intelligence, which allows users with compatible iPhones to create custom images through Image Playground. You can generate a digital invitation that includes essential event details like time, date, location, and even your own curated images or original creations. The app also allows users to attach a photo album or a music playlist via Apple Music.
While the experience is smoother for iPhone users, Android users can still join in by accessing invites through a web-based version of the app on iCloud.com. Though Android users must enter their email addresses to RSVP, the process is still simple.
The Invites app is available now and free for iCloud+ subscribers. This new feature builds on earlier rumors of an iCloud-based service named “Confetti,” which was expected to offer a new way to invite people to events. Initially rumoured to be a part of the Calendar app or iMessage, the release aligns with iOS 18.3, which is currently being rolled out.
In January, 9to5Mac discovered references to the Invites app in iOS 18.3 code, hinting at its integration with iCloud and a web version. The app also connects with a new iOS feature, GroupKit, which manages groups of people for event coordination.
Although the app was kept under wraps, its release shows Apple’s focus on enhancing its event-inviting features, potentially signalling the beginning of a broader revamp to the Calendar app in future updates. More details will emerge as the app gets more attention.