Source: The Guardian
"Sources also believe the software will include a 'Theater Mode' presented as a popcorn shaped icon that dims the display and disables features to make devices suitable for movie theaters."
"Apple also owns a patent for 'Theater Mode', which it had published in 2012."
"While the user is in the movie theater, the mobile device deactivates its cellular communications interface and/or automatically sets the device to a silent mode,' reads the patent published in 2012."
"When the user leaves the movie theater, the portable device enables phone communications and/or restores the ringer setting to the setting utilized prior to the device's deactivation."
I've been dreading this day ever since I heard "rumors" about Apple devising this app. No, you don't need to be texting during a movie. You should watch the movie and be courteous to those around you. If it's super urgent someone will call you or text you during the movie then step the fuck out of the theater when they do. Be courteous. The cinematic experience will go extinct because of "inventions" like these.