Apple has made the group chat function in FaceTime unavailable after users said there was a bug that could allow callers to activate another user's microphone remotely.
The bug was demonstrated through videos online and reported on this week by tech blogs. Apple's online support page on Tuesday said there was a technical issue with the application and that Group Facetime "is temporarily unavailable."
Reports said the bug in the video chat app could allow an iPhone user calling another iPhone through Group Facetime to hear the audio from the other handset — even if the receiver did not accept the call.
The feature would be activated when the caller would initate a call via Facetime, swipe up to add another caller and add their own number.
That allowed the caller to hear the live audio on the other person's phone, even though the recepient hadn't accepted the call and there was no indication on their screen that their conversation was being transmitted.
In some cases, the bug can also show live video of the other person if they press a volume button to dismiss the call.
In a statement issued last week, the tech giant said it has identified a fix for the problem and will release it in a software update later this week.
In the meantime, to avoid falling victim to the bug, users should disable Facetime of all their devices until the new software comes out.
The governor of New York Andrew Cuomo issued a statement warning people about the bug and urging people to disable the app until Apple fixes the issue.
>> MORE: How to disable FaceTime until Apple releases fix for bug
The Associated Press contributed to this report