Apple reportedly cans ‘Walkie-Talkie’ feature for the iPhone

Apple has canned — at least for now — a “Walkie Talkie” feature planned for the iPhone. The wireless technology project that would have allowed people with iPhones to reach nearby companions in areas without cellular coverage, such as on ski slopes or on hikes in remote areas, reports The Information, quoting two unnamed “people familiar with the project.”

Although the reasons for suspending the effort couldn’t be learned, the departure of the project’s champion from Apple earlier this year was a factor, the article adds.

The feature would have been akin to the Walkie-Talkie feature in watchOS 5 that  allows you to have a one-on-one conversation with anyone who has a compatible Apple Watch.

On the smartwatch, you open the app and a list of contacts that have an Apple Watch who you frequently FaceTime or iMessage pops up. You can add another contact card by scrolling to the bottom of the list and selecting the “+” symbol. An invite will be sent to the contact who can accept (or note) your Walkie-Talkie friend request.