Apple Puts iPhone 'Walkie Talkie' Feature On Hold [Report]

Apple has put a project on hold that would have let iPhone users communicate with each other in areas without cellular coverage, reports The Information.

The reason for suspending the project isn't clear; however, the departure of its champion, Rubén Caballero, was allegedly a factor. Internally, the project was known as 'Project OGRS' for Off Grid Radio Service. It operated on the 900 MHz spectrum.

Apple was working with Intel on the technology that would have let people send messages from their iPhones directly to other iPhones over long-distance radio waves that bypass cellular networks, said two people familiar with the project. The technology would have functioned something like a walkie talkie for text messages, giving people the ability to communicate in areas unserved by wireless carriers.


It's possible the project could be revived as Apple's develops its own modems but it appears to be shelved for now.

More details in the paywalled article linked below!

Read More