How to Use Apple’s Invites App to Plan and Share Events on iPhone

Apple has just made event planning much easier with a brand-new app called Invites. Available globally, the Invites app lets you create and share beautiful event invitations right from your iPhone, streamlining event coordination like never before. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about Apple’s Invites app and how it works.

How Does the Apple Invites App Work?

With the Invites app, you get a polished, integrated way to create and distribute custom event invitations. But in typical Apple fashion, there’s a small catch: only users with an active iCloud+ subscription can create and send invitations. However, anyone, regardless of whether they use an Apple device or have an Apple ID, can RSVP to an invitation they receive.

Once invitees respond, they can contribute photos to a Shared Album, collaborate on an Apple Music playlist, and even get event details synced with the Calendar app for seamless organization.

Key Features of the Apple Invites App

Apple’s Invites app comes packed with features to help you plan events effortlessly. Here are some of the highlights:

• Custom Invitations: iCloud+ subscribers can design and send personalized invitations using photos from their library, themed backgrounds exclusive to the app, or AI-generated images via Image Playground.
• Cross-Platform RSVP: While only iCloud+ subscribers can create invites, recipients can RSVP even without an Apple ID or Apple device.
• Shared Albums & Apple Music Playlists: Guests can upload photos to a shared album and contribute to a collaborative Apple Music playlist tied to the event.
• Apple Calendar Integration: Events automatically sync with the Calendar app for both the organizer and invitees (once they RSVP), making scheduling easier for everyone involved.

How to Create and RSVP to an Event Invitation

Before you begin, ensure your iPhone supports iOS 18 and is updated to the latest version. The Invites app requires iOS 18 or later and can be downloaded from the App Store.

Also, remember—an active iCloud+ subscription is required to create and send invitations.

To create an invite:

1. Open the Invites app.
2. Tap Create an Invite.
3. Enter your event title, set the date and time, add a description, location, and guest list.
   
4. Customize the background using:
   • Your photo library,
   • Pre-designed themed templates, or
   • Image Playground to generate AI-created designs.
5. If writing the event description feels overwhelming, use Apple Intelligence Writing Tools to generate a fitting phrase automatically.
6. Once everything looks good, tap Send.
   

To RSVP:

Recipients can respond directly via the Invites app if they have an iPhone or through a browser if they don’t. No Apple ID is required.

How to Manage Your Invitations

Both hosts and invitees have tools to manage the event efficiently:

Hosts Can:

• Track RSVPs: Monitor responses in real time.
• Send Reminders: Notify guests who haven’t responded.
• Edit Event Details: Update the time, location, or description.
• Cancel the Event: Notify all guests of any changes.

Guests Can:

• Quickly Respond: Access invitation details via the app or browser.
• Change RSVP Status: Update their response before the event.
• View Event Info: See details like time, location, and notes.
• Control Personal Data: Manage what information is visible to others and leave or report an event if necessary.
• Upload Photos: Add images to the Shared Album.
• Add Songs: Collaborate on the event’s Apple Music playlist.

How to Add the Invites App’s Widget to Home Screen

Sending or accepting an event’s invitation is one thing, and remembering it is an entirely different thing. To ensure you always stay on top of your schedule, Apple lets you add an Invites app widget to your iPhone’s home screen. The widget shows a countdown to your next event, and tapping it opens the Invites app with all event details

1. Tap and hold any empty area on the home screen until all app icons and widgets start wobbling.
2. Now, tap Edit at the top left corner, then choose Add Widgets in the drop-down menu.
3. Next, scroll down to or search for the Invites app.
4. Choose one of the available widget options and tap the Add Widget button.
5. Tap Done to confirm.

Apple Invites App: Availability

As of February 4, 2025, the Apple Invites app is available globally on all iPhones running iOS 18 or later. Users can also access the app via the web at icloud.com/invites.

Summing up…

With features like customizable invitations, RSVP tracking, Shared Albums, Apple Music collaboration, and Apple Calendar integration, the Apple Invites app delivers a sleek, intuitive solution for modern event planning. Whether you’re organizing a birthday, wedding, or casual get-together, this app makes it easier to bring people together in style.

So, next time you’re planning an event, give Invites a try—it just might become your new favorite way to manage gatherings.

Have you tried Apple’s new Invites app? Share your experience in the comments below!

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