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Tech sleuths digging through iOS 26’s developer beta have uncovered a feature that automatically pauses FaceTime calls when nudity appears on camera. The discovery has sparked a heated debate about whether Apple should monitor adult conversations, despite having privacy protections in place.
The feature works by freezing both audio and video when sensitive content is detected, then displaying a message: “Audio and video are paused because you may be showing something sensitive. If you feel uncomfortable, you should end the call.” Users can then choose to resume or end the call entirely.
X user @iDeviceHelp first spotted the feature buried in FaceTime settings under “Sensitive Content Warning.” The toggle remains off by default, requiring users to manually enable it through Privacy & Security settings.
Apple designed the technology for child accounts as part of its Communication Safety toolkit announced at WWDC 2025. However, beta testers have discovered that it can currently be activated on adult accounts as well. It’s unclear whether this is Apple’s broader intention or simply a beta oversight.
The technology builds on Apple’s existing nudity detection system, which already filters explicit images in Messages and photo albums for younger users. FaceTime represents the first real-time video application of this scanning capability.
Apple emphasizes that all analysis happens locally on devices using machine learning. The company receives no notification when nudity is detected and cannot access video content, according to official Communication Safety documentation.
The feature reflects growing regulatory pressure on tech companies to combat explicit content. Australia recently passed legislation requiring platforms to actively address inappropriate material, setting a precedent for similar measures worldwide.
Apple has made its content analysis framework available to third-party developers through the Sensitive Content Analysis API. This means other video calling apps could potentially adopt similar nudity detection capabilities.
Beta features regularly change based on testing feedback, so this functionality may not survive to the final release. The public beta launching in July will provide broader testing before Apple decides whether to restrict the feature to child accounts or maintain universal availability.
Apple hasn’t clarified its final plans for adult users when iOS 26 officially launches later this September.
