Apple has launched a new event planning app called Invites, designed to help users easily create, customize, and share event invitations. Available for iPhone users and on the web via iCloud.com, Invites simplifies the invitation process by integrating Apple Intelligence features, Apple Maps, Shared Albums, and even event-specific playlists. 

While creating an invitation requires an iCloud+ subscription, which is $0.99 per month, anyone with or without an Apple device can RSVP to an event. Organizing a birthday party, a wedding, or just a get-together can be more fun and engaging using Apple’s Invites app.

Getting Started with Apple Invites

You can access Invites either through the iPhone app or by visiting iCloud.com. The process of creating and managing events is nearly identical on both platforms. If you’re using the app, simply tap the plus sign (+) in the upper-right corner to start a new event. On the web, click “New Event” in the same location.

Customizing Your Invitation

Once you create a new event, you can personalize the invitation by choosing a background image. Apple has several ways to customize the look of your invite:

• Select from your Photos library – Pick an image from your existing Photos app.
• Take a new photo – Use your iPhone’s Camera to capture an event-specific background.
• Select an Apple-designed background – Apple has a set of stylish preset backgrounds.
• Use Apple’s Image Playground – If you have an iPhone 15 Pro or later, you can create an AI-aided background using Apple Intelligence.
• Once done with the background, click the “Event Title” to add the name of your event. You can also change the font style to keep the theme or aesthetic of your invitation on track.

Setting Date, Time, and Location

Then, click on “Date and Time” to schedule your event. You can specify a start and end time or mark it as an all-day event. A very useful feature of Invites is that once you set the date, the app automatically adds the weather forecast for that day to help attendees prepare accordingly.

Tap on “Location”, search for a venue, or choose a location suggested by the app. You can manually type in a name, such as “Emma’s House”, and Apple Maps will insert location details right into the invitation.

Add an Event Description

To give your guests more background information, you can compose a detailed event description. Apple Intelligence’s Writing Tools can help you structure your message well. However, this AI feature is only accessible on devices that support Apple Intelligence.

Once you have finalized your invitation, tap “Preview” to see how it will look before sending it out to your guests.

Adding More to Your Event with Shared Albums and Playlists

Beyond basic invitations, Apple Invites has two other standout features: Shared Albums and Event Playlists. These let attendees interact with the event both before, during, and after it happens.

A Shared Album enables guests to share photos and videos, so the memories of the event are stored in a shared space. How to create one:

Tap “Create Album” from the event invitation.

• The album will automatically take the name of the event (you can edit it if you need to).
• Attendees can upload their pictures and videos, making a collective digital scrapbook of the event.
  Setting Up an Event Playlist
• For music lovers, Invites lets users create a shared playlist for the event. Guests can add songs in advance or during the gathering, making the event soundtrack collaborative. To set up a playlist:

Select “Add Playlist” in the invitation settings.

The playlist defaults to the event name, which can be overridden.

• Guests with an Apple Music subscription will be able to add their favorite tracks.
• It is perfect for parties, weddings, or any occasion where the music enhances the atmosphere.
  Inviting Guests and Managing RSVP
• Once your invitation is ready, it’s time to send it out. Apple provides two ways to invite people:
• Public Link Sharing – Send a shareable link via Messages, Mail, or any other preferred app.

Direct Contact Invites – Select guests from your contact list and send them individual invitations.
How to send an invite:

Tap “Invite Guests” in the event.

• Select “Share Link” to get a public link, or tap “Copy Link” to copy it anywhere manually.
• To send a direct invite, tap “Choose a Guest”, search for a contact, and send them the link.
• Tracking RSVPs and Sending Updates
• Once guests receive their invitations, they can RSVP with a simple Yes, No, or Maybe. The host can track responses directly within the Invites app, making it easy to keep tabs on attendance.

In case event details are changed, say the venue or timing, then the host can send a note to all the guests:

• Open the event and tap “Send a Note.”
• Enter your message, like “The party has moved to John’s Place!”
• Tap “Send Note” to let all the attendees know.
• All this is made sure without separate emails or texts.
• Apple’s Invites competes with popular event-planning apps like Evite, Partiful, and Paperless Post, but it has some unique advantages:

Deep iOS and macOS integration – It works seamlessly with Apple Maps, Apple Intelligence, iCloud, and Apple Music.

• Privacy-focused – Unlike some other platforms, Apple does not use ads or sell event data.
• Shared Albums and Playlists – These features allow guests to interact beyond a simple RSVP.
• Built-in forecasts will ensure that your visitors are ready and prepared for all outdoor events, thanks to this automatic weather updates feature.
• UI is very clean, simple and elegant, minimalist.

This being a drawback due to the necessity of having the iCloud+ subscription, this pricing at $0.99 is very cheap considering other premium services for events.