Apple launches Invites, its event invitation app that takes on Partiful

Apple rolled out its newest iPhone app called Invites, which lets iCloud+ subscribers create and share invitations to anyone, regardless of whether they have an Apple account or Apple device.

Hosts have control over the events. They can choose what details they want included in the invite preview, like a home address and what image to use as a background. The event page also integrates the Maps and Weather apps so that attendees know how to get there and what the forecast will be. Within an event, attendees can manage RSVPs, contribute to Shared Albums dedicated to specific events, and collaborate on Apple Music playlists.

Invites is available on the App Store starting today for iPhone models running iOS 18 or later, and it can also be accessed through the web. Apple’s iCloud+ service starts at 99 cents a month.

The launch appears to put the app up against the extremely popular Partiful, a third party event planning event that made Google Play’s Best App of 2024. Partiful, popular among Gen Z, also has simple user interfaces and is free to use. Invites is also competing against other platforms, like Paperless Post and evite.

“Apple Invites brings together capabilities our users already know and love across iPhone, iCloud, and Apple Music, making it easy to plan special events,” Apple’s Brent Chiu-Watson said in a press release.