Secret iPhone ‘hand signals’ let you send hidden effects to your mates over FaceTime – including confetti and fireworks

APPLE has quietly introduced secret 'hand signals' that iPhone owners can use on FaceTime to trigger 3D augmented effects.

The fun feature is one of many inside iOS 17, which is launching in a matter of days (18 September).

The Apple's native video calling app is adopting iMessage's popular reactions feature.

But instead of being triggered by secret phrases, it is activated by hand signals.

Users can add a reaction that fills the camera frame with a 3D effect.

For example, a thumbs up can prompt confetti or hearts to rain down or fireworks to explode.

But there's a few things that are important to note with this feature.

Firstly, it is part of iOS 17 which is rolling out to iPhones on Monday - so it's not available just yet.

It also just works when using the front camera,

Lastly, the feature will only be available on iPhone 12 models and beyond.

Augmented effects aren't the only FaceTime perk coming with iOS 17 on Monday.

Facemails are finally here... the voicemails of FaceTime.

iOS 17 means Apple fans can record a video or audio message when someone misses their FaceTime call.

FaceTime will also be compatible with Apple TVs.

The new perks coming to iPhones don't just stop with FaceTime, either.

The upgrade spans iMessage, widgets, the keyboard and even a whole new Apple-native app.

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