Apple has officially launched its new Invites app, a platform designed to make it easy for users to create and share custom event invitations using their iPhone or on the web. The app, which is reminiscent of Partiful, a popular invitation app that was crowned Google Play's Best App of 2024, offers a range of features to help users plan and execute their events.

One of the key features of Invites is its ability to allow users to create and share custom invitations, complete with RSVP tracking, shared albums, and event soundtracks. To create an invitation, users need an iCloud+ subscription, which costs 99 cents per month. However, anyone can RSVP to an event, regardless of whether they have an Apple Account or Apple device.

The process of creating an event invitation is relatively straightforward. Users can create an event in Apple Invites using the app on their iPhone or on the web at iCloud.com. From there, they can add a background image, enter the event title and date, choose a font style, and set the location. The app also allows users to add a description for the event, using Apple Intelligence's Writing Tools to help them write out the description.

In addition to creating custom invitations, Invites also offers two other features that can take event planning to the next level. Users can create a "Shared Album" where attendees can contribute photos and videos from within an invite, allowing them to save their memories and relive the event at a later time. Users can also create an event soundtrack by selecting the "Add Playlist" option, which allows attendees to add songs to the playlist before or during the event. However, users need an Apple Music subscription to create a shared playlist.

When it comes to inviting guests to an event, users have two options. They can either share the invite as a public link or send it to specific people from their contact list. Users can select "Invite Guests" to start sending out invitations, and then choose to share the link through the Messages or Mail apps, or through any app in their iOS share sheet.

After creating an event and inviting guests, users can also share a note that everyone on the guest list can see. This feature allows users to communicate with their guests, for instance, to let them know if the location for the event has changed, or to send them a reminder to bring umbrellas if the forecast is calling for rain.

Overall, Apple's Invites app offers a range of features that make it easy for users to plan and execute their events. With its custom invitation templates, RSVP tracking, shared albums, and event soundtracks, Invites is likely to appeal to users who are looking for a more personalized and interactive way to plan their events.

It will be interesting to see how Invites competes with other event planning apps on the market, and how users respond to its features and functionality. One thing is certain, however - Apple's entry into the event planning space is likely to shake things up and drive innovation in the industry.