Apple’s video calling feature for iOS devices called FaceTime has turned out to be one of the most popular features of the fourth gen iPhone. The new iPhone 4 and iPod touch 4 support FaceTime and users can easily initiate a video call with compatible devices over WiFi.
Last month we reported that a Facebook thread from SaudiMac noted that all reference to FaceTime had been removed from Apple’s regional sites which lead to speculation in the blogosphere which suggested that FaceTime would not be available in some countries. This rumor turned out to be true when Apple updated a support document on its site which clearly outlined that FaceTime will not be available in Jordan, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. It wasn’t clear if this was Apple who decided to pull these features or if it was due to carrier restrictions.
Today, 9 to 5 Mac reported that according to iRamadah FaceTime works in the Middle East, but only with the new iPod touch 4. This certainly implies that the absence of FaceTime on iPhone 4 is due to carrier restrictions. This is very interesting to note as FaceTime does not use carrier’s network and only works over WiFi.