How to Enjoy SharePlay in Messages on iPhone and iPad
With the release of iOS 15, Apple introduced SharePlay in FaceTime, allowing users to watch TV shows, movies, and listen to music together with friends. Now, Apple is extending SharePlay support to Messages in iOS 16, making it even easier to enjoy shared experiences with your group. In this article, we will guide you on how to start SharePlay in Messages on your iPhone and iPad.
Using SharePlay in Messages on iPhone and iPad
Before you start using SharePlay in Messages, make sure that the recipient or all users in the group have updated their devices to iOS 16 or higher. Here's how to check and update your software:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on General.
- Select Software Update.
- If there is a pending iOS update, download and install it.
Note: At the time of writing, iOS 16 is available in the public beta. You can join the Apple Beta Software Program and install iOS 16 on your iPhone. The official public release of iOS 16 is expected this fall.
SharePlay Supported Apps
SharePlay is not limited to Apple Music or Apple TV+ only. It is also available for third-party apps. Popular media streaming apps like Disney+, ESPN, HBO Max, Hulu, MUBI, NBA, Paramount+, Pluto TV, SHOWTIME, UFC, TuneIn Radio, Unplug, and Shudder already support SharePlay on iPhone and iPad.
However, apps like Netflix, Spotify, and Prime Video are not part of SharePlay, as they already offer similar functionalities. For example, Prime Video has Watch Party, and Spotify offers Group Sessions to enjoy streaming media with friends and family.
Note: Before starting a SharePlay session, ensure that all group members have a valid app subscription. Without a subscription, they won't be able to join the SharePlay session and enjoy the same content.
Use SharePlay in Messages on iPhone
Now, let's learn how to share your favorite Apple Music tracks or watch shows on Apple TV+ with your friends via SharePlay in Messages.
- Open the Apple Music app on your iPhone.
- Find a song you want to listen to together with your friends.
- Tap the three-dot menu next to the song and select SharePlay.
- Type the name of the contact or group you want to invite and tap the Messages button.
- Add a message if you'd like and send the invitation.
- Once your friend joins the invite, start playing the track to enjoy it together.
- You can see the number of users in the active SharePlay session from the Apple Music app.
Another person in the SharePlay session can also see the ‘Listening Together' status and manage the session by inviting more members or ending the session. The admin who started the SharePlay session on Apple Music has control over the playback.
Watch Movies Together on SharePlay in Messages
If you want to watch your favorite TV shows and movies together via SharePlay in Messages, follow these steps:
- Launch the Apple TV+ app on your iPhone.
- Open the TV show or movie you want to watch.
- Tap the share icon.
- Select SharePlay and type the name of your friend or group.
- Tap Messages and write a message before sending the invitation.
- Once the recipient accepts the invite, tap the Start button.
- Select Join SharePlay from the pop-up menu.
- You can check the active session and the number of users from the SharePlay menu.
- When the show or movie is over, you can end the SharePlay session for yourself or for everyone.
Watch Movies and Listen to Music Together
Apple has enhanced the SharePlay experience with new additions in iOS 16. While the support for third-party apps in the music streaming category is currently limited, we anticipate more apps adopting SharePlay functionality in future updates.
Enjoy the seamless experience of watching movies and listening to music together with your friends and make the most out of SharePlay in Messages on your iPhone and iPad.

Jim's passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
Jim continues to share his expertise and passion for tablets, helping his audience as much as he can with his motto “One Swipe at a Time!”