Apple Invites iPhone app guide: Digital invitations and event planning

Creating invitations should feel easy, not stressful. Apple’s Invites app makes it simple to create free digital invitations with built-in RSVP tools, even if your guests do not use iPhones.

You can design the invite, track responses, and share photos after the event, all from your iPhone. Below is a clear step-by-step guide with exact instructions so you can get it right the first time.

Oh, and if you want more options beyond Apple’s Invites app, we also cover the best invitation apps for both iPhone and Android.

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Apple’s Invites app lets users create free digital invitations with built-in RSVP tools directly from an iPhone, making event planning faster and easier. (Katharina Kausche/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Why Apple Invites makes event planning easier

Apple Invites keeps everything in one place. You design the invite, manage RSVPs and share memories without switching apps. You can:

• Create invitations for parties, meetings and family events
• Let guests RSVP from any device
• Share photos, playlists and links after the event

Apple Invites system requirements

Before you start, confirm these basics. You need:

• An iPhone running iOS 18 or newer
• An iCloud+ subscription to create invitations

Guests can view and RSVP without an iCloud+ subscription. The steps in this article were tested on an iPhone 15 Pro Max running iOS 26.2.

Download Apple Invites from the App Store

First, install the Apple Invites app.

• Open the App Store.
• Search for Apple Invites.
• Download the app named Apple Invites to avoid confusion.

Open the Invites app after installation.

How to create a free digital invitation with RSVP on iPhone

You are now ready to build your invitation.

Start a new invitation in Apple Invites

• Open the Invites app.
• If this is your first time, tap Create Invitation.

If you have created invites before, tap the plus icon in the top corner.

Add a background image to your invitation

• Tap Add Background.
• Choose one option:PhotosCameraPlayground using Apple Intelligence on supported modelsYou can also select Emoji, Photographic or Color backgrounds.
• Photos
• Camera
• Playground using Apple Intelligence on supported models
• You can also select Emoji, Photographic or Color backgrounds.

Grant photo or camera access if prompted.

Add event details like title, date and location

Next, fill in the key information.

• Tap Event Title and enter the name of your event.Choose from four available fonts.
• Choose from four available fonts.
• Tap Date and Time.Select a start and end time or mark the event as all day.
• Select a start and end time or mark the event as all day.
• Tap Location.Enable Location Services if prompted.
• Enable Location Services if prompted.
• Tap Add a Description to include event details or notes.

If you add both a date and a location, the app automatically shows:

• The weather forecast for that day
• A Maps link with directions

Add optional features like photos, links and playlists

You can add several optional features to enhance your invitation.

• Add a shared photo album so guests can view and upload photos by tapping Create Album
• Add a website link, such as a gift registry, by tapping Add a Link
• Add a shared Apple Music playlist guests can listen to and add songs to by tapping Add Playlist

Add a Tile to bundle photos, playlists or links in one place by tapping Add Tile

Preview and create your invitation

Before sending, review everything.

• Tap Preview.
• Review how the invitation will look to guests.
• Tap Next in the upper-right corner.
• Wait a few seconds while the invite is created.

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Apple Invites allows hosts to design invites, track guest responses and share photos without requiring guests to own an iPhone. (Nikolas Kokovlis/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

How to send invitations and manage RSVPs on iPhone

Once your invitation is live, you can share it in two different ways.

Invite guests using a public link

• Under Invite with Public Link, choose how you want to share the link:MessagesMailShare LinkCopy Link
• Messages
• Mail
• Share Link
• Copy Link
• Toggle Approve Guests on if you want to review RSVPs before guests are added.
• Leave Approve Guests off to allow anyone with the link to RSVP automatically.

Guests who accept the invite will appear in your guest list.

Invite guests individually

• Scroll to Invite Individuals.
• Tap Choose a Guest.
• Then you’ll be prompted to access your contacts and click Continue.
• Click Select Contacts
• Select only the contacts you want to include for this invitation and click Continue 
• Tap Allow Selected Contacts 
• Select a contact to send a one-time invite link.
• Then click Messages, Mail or Share Link

This option sends a unique link to a single guest.

Guests can RSVP even if they do not own an iPhone.

How to send invitations and manage RSVPs on iPhone

Once your invitation is live, you can share it in two different ways.

Invite guests using a public link

• Under Invite with Public Link, choose how you want to share the link:MessagesMailShare LinkCopy Link
• Messages
• Mail
• Share Link
• Copy Link
• Toggle Approve Guests on if you want to review RSVPs before guests are added.
• Leave Approve Guests off to allow anyone with the link to RSVP automatically.

Guests who accept the invite will appear in your guest list.

Invite guests individually

• Scroll to Invite Individuals.
• Tap Choose a Guest.
• Then you’ll be prompted to access your contacts and click Continue.
• Click Select Contacts
• Select only the contacts you want to include for this invitation and click Continue 
• Tap Allow Selected Contacts 
• Select a contact to send a one-time invite link.
• Then click Messages, Mail or Share Link

This option sends a unique link to a single guest.

Guests can RSVP even if they do not own an iPhone.

Manage event settings and RSVP notifications

You stay in control after sending.

• Tap the Settings icon inside the invite.
• Adjust guest permissions and RSVP options.
• Enable notifications to receive alerts when guests respond.
• Set plus one limits or block additional guests if needed.

Your invitation appears on the app home screen under Upcoming.

Edit an invite after sending it

Plans change, and edits are allowed.

• Open the invite from the Upcoming list.
• Tap the More Button (three horizontal dots in the upper-right corner)
• Click Edit to update details.
• Changes sync automatically for guests.

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With Apple Invites, users can manage event details, RSVPs and shared content all in one place using iOS 18 or newer. (Nikolas Kokovlis/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Pro tip: duplicate invitations for recurring events

If you host a recurring event, such as a book club, save time.

• Open an existing invitation.
• Tap the More button. (three horizontal dots in the upper-right corner)
• Select Duplicate.
• Adjust the date, time or details as needed.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Apple Invites makes event planning feel simple again. You can create free digital invitations, send them in seconds and track RSVPs without chasing people down. Everything lives in one place, from guest lists to shared photos, which saves time and reduces stress. Best of all, guests do not need an iPhone to respond. That makes Apple Invites practical for real life, not just Apple users. Whether you are planning a birthday, a family dinner, or a casual meetup, this app helps you focus on the event rather than the logistics.

Would you consider replacing paper invites or group texts with Apple Invites, or are you still planning events the old way? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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