Zhipu AI Launches GLM-Image Model Trained on Huawei Chips, Boosting China’s AI Self-Reliance Drive 
Taiwan Issues Arrest Warrant for OnePlus CEO Over Alleged Illegal Recruitment Activities 
TSMC Set to Post Record Q4 Profit as AI Chip Demand Accelerates 
China’s AI Models Narrow the Gap With the West, Says Google DeepMind CEO 
Anthropic Appoints Former Microsoft Executive Irina Ghose to Lead India Expansion 
China Considers New Rules to Limit Purchases of Foreign AI Chips Amid Growing Demand 
South Korea Seeks Favorable U.S. Tariff Terms on Memory Chip Imports 
Elon Musk Seeks $134 Billion in Lawsuit Against OpenAI and Microsoft Over Alleged Wrongful Gains 
AFT Leaves X Over AI-Generated Images of Minors 
U.S.–Taiwan Trade Deal Spurs $500 Billion Semiconductor Investment in America 
Nvidia Denies Upfront Payment Requirement for H200 AI Chips Amid China Export Scrutiny 
Trump Pushes Tech Giants to Absorb AI Data Center Power Costs, Citing Microsoft Changes 
SK Hynix to Invest $13 Billion in Advanced Chip Packaging Plant as AI Memory Demand Surges 
xAI Restricts Grok Image Editing After Sexualized AI Images Trigger Global Scrutiny 
Federal Judge Clears Way for Jury Trial in Elon Musk’s Fraud Lawsuit Against OpenAI and Microsoft 
TikTok Expands AI Age-Detection Technology Across Europe Amid Rising Regulatory Pressure 
Alphabet Stock Poised for Growth as Bank of America Sees Strong AI Momentum Into 2026 
Watch parties were some of the activities likely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic over the last year, so tech companies found new ways to allow people to stream content virtually together. One of those new features is Apple’s SharePlay, and it is now officially supported by Disney+.
Apple recently launched SharePlay with the iOS 15.1, iPadOS 15.1, and tvOS 15.1 updates. As its name suggests, people in a FaceTime call will be able to watch the same content from streaming apps that support the feature directly from their individual screens.
Disney+ confirms that the feature is now supported in all regions where its streaming service is available. But subscribers will need an Apple TV, iPhone, or iPad running on the software’s version 15.1 to enjoy the new feature.
Disney+ subscribers can now host virtual watch parties with up to 32 people in a FaceTime group call. Each participant will be able to choose the subtitle and audio language of their choice while the same content streams on their Apple devices. Apple TV will also allow iPad and iPhone users to stream on a bigger screen while staying on the call.
However, Disney noted that all SharePlay users must have an active Disney+ subscription to enjoy the new feature. It is available for $8 per month or $80 for a one-time payment annual membership.
There are also not many restrictions in using SharePlay with Disney+ even if some people in a FaceTime call are in different regions. However, Disney notes that available content may vary based on a member’s location. The addition of SharePlay support comes just before the premiere of some Disney-original content, including the new animated film “Encanto” debuting on Disney+ on Dec. 24 and the “Book of Boba Fett” series to be released on Dec. 29. The latter features the adventures of the titular protagonist (portrayed by Temuera Morrison) with Fennec Shand (Ming-Na Wen) in taking over a territory previously controlled by Jabba the Hutt.
Using SharePlay is also quite simple and also works for streaming music. Apple has already published a support page with detailed instructions on how to stream content on a FaceTime call and how SharePlay could be viewed on bigger screens via Apple TV. Meanwhile, Disney noted that SharePlay would not replace the native Disney+ feature called GroupWatch.
Photo by Marques Kaspbrak on Unsplash
