Requirements for Communication Apps

Depending on your video communication method of choice, you need to determine the device you will use this app for online meetings, as well as any additional hardware that would be beneficial to the quality of your meetings.

FaceTime Users

Because FaceTime is an Apple exclusive app, your device selection will be limited to compatible Apple devices only. Aside from requiring an Apple ID account, the minimum and recommended hardware will be listed below.

Minimum Hardware/Software Requirements

  • OS X 10.7 (or later) for Mac devices

  • iMac or MacBook manufactured after 2011 (with front facing webcam)

OR

  • iOS 4 (or later) for iPhone and iPad devices

  • iPhone 4, iPad 2, iPad Mini (1st generation), or iPod Touch (4th generation with front-facing camera)

Recommended Hardware/Software Requirements

  • OS X 10.9 (or later) for Mac devices

  • iMac or MacBook manufactured after 2016

OR

  • iOS 7 (or later) for iPhone and iPad devices to enable FaceTime Audio-only calls

  • Any iPhone or iPad device manufactured after 2016.

Due to the generally high specifications of an Apple device, especially any device made after 2016, you should not require any additional hardware to have a successful FaceTime experience. However, owning a laptop/tablet/phone stand or mount can help in mounting and aiming your device properly (depending on the instrument you play).

Everything Else

If you choose to use other, multi-platform options such as Zoom or Skype, the requirements are much more broad due to various compatible devices out there. The bare minimum to run either app with minimal issue is listed below:

Minimum Requirements

  • Windows-based computer/laptop with minimum 1GHz processor and 4GB RAM

  • Windows 7/8.1/10

  • Windows compatible webcam with 480p or higher capture

  • Windows compatible microphone

  • Latest version of Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox

OR

  • Mac-based computer/laptop with minimum 1GHz processor and 4GB RAM

  • Mac OS X 10.7 or later

  • Mac compatible webcam with 480p or higher capture

  • Mac compatible microphone

  • Latest version of Safari, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox

OR

  • Google Chromebook-based laptop

  • Latest version of ChromeOS

  • Google Play functionality for Skype and other apps without native ChromeOS support

OR

  • Apple iPhone/iPad manufactured after 2014

  • iOS 8 or later

  • Front facing camera

OR

  • Android phone/tablet manufactured after 2015, ideally with 1GHz processor

  • Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or later

  • Front facing camera

As long as these requirements are met, you should be able to have a decent experience on an app like Zoom or Skype, but be aware that the overall quality of your online video meetings can vary per device. If you own multiple devices, the most powerful one is always the best choice where possible. No other hardware should be necessary, but especially for computer/laptop based setup, you can greatly benefit from a higher quality webcam/camera and external podcasting microphones.