### Apple Invites: A Fresh Approach to Sending Event Invitations
Apple has launched a new application named **Apple Invites**, enabling users to design and distribute event invitations. This app, which was released unexpectedly earlier this week, can be downloaded at no cost from the [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/apple-invites/id6472498645). Through Apple Invites, users are able to craft vibrant invitations and share them with friends and family.
### Understanding How Apple Invites Functions
The app is user-friendly. Begin by picking a background, inputting a title, and detailing the event location. Apple offers a range of pre-made backgrounds, including ones featuring emojis and photos, but you can also upload your own graphics.
When you have finalized the details, you can distribute the invitations to attendees. However, there is a stipulation—while anyone can receive invitations for free, only users with a **paid iCloud+ subscription** are allowed to send them. This is reasonable, as keeping invitations in cloud storage necessitates space. iCloud+ plans are available starting at **$0.99 monthly**, and Apple now lists Apple Invites among the perks of subscribing, along with features like **Hide My Email, HomeKit Secure Video, and iCloud Private Relay**.
### Steps to Create an Invitation
To generate an event invitation:
1. Click the **”+”** icon located in the top right corner of the app.
2. Select a background from Apple’s collection or upload your own image.
3. Input the event title, date, time, and venue. You can also add a custom name for the venue (especially helpful for private locations like your home).
4. Include an event description (up to **1,000 characters**) and the name of the host.
5. Optionally, create a **photo album** and an **Apple Music playlist** to share with attendees.
After preparing the invite, you can send it out through a **shareable link**. If you need to provide additional information to guests—such as directions or last-minute updates—you can utilize the **”Send a Note”** feature.
### Additional Features and Hidden Options
Apple Invites boasts several handy yet easily overlooked features:
– **Duplicate Events**: For users hosting recurring events (like a weekly trivia night), you can replicate an existing event instead of starting from scratch.
– **Guest Approval**: Within **Event Settings**, you can require guests to obtain approval before joining.
– **Privacy Controls**: Guests can only view the event background image once they open the invite with a verified email.
– **Guest Permissions**: Hosts can grant selected guests the ability to invite others, simplifying event expansion.
– **Cancel or Pause Replies**: If you need to abort an event or wish to stop receiving RSVPs, you can adjust this in the settings.
### Notification Management
For users handling multiple events, Apple Invites provides customizable notification options:
– Click your **profile image** in the app and select **Push Notifications**.
– Decide if you wish to get notifications for events you’re either hosting or attending.
– Enable or disable Apple’s recommendations, feature announcements, and special promotions.
– Modify **email notifications** independently from push notifications.
### Downloading Apple Invites
Apple Invites is available for free on the [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/apple-invites/id6472498645). However, it necessitates **iOS 18 or newer**, and an **iCloud+ subscription** is mandatory to send invitations.
With its straightforward design and practical features, Apple Invites serves as an excellent resource for planning events and keeping attendees updated.