Apple developed a feature for iPhones that would allow users to send text messages to fellow iPhones over a 900 MHz radio frequency spectrum, typically used for dispatchers in the utility and manufacturing sectors, essentially allowing the phones to function as walkie-talkies but for texts, The Information reports.
Apple and Intel were working together for some time on the technology and planned to put it into Intel chips meant for future iPhones, but it was put on hold. The project was called Project OGRS, likely associated to the Off Grid Radio Service spotted in patents a year ago.
Apple Shelves Walkie-Talkie Feature
According to the report, Rubén Caballero, apparently the internal champion of the project, left Apple earlier this year. Qualcomm's surprise settlement with Apple following a hostile legal battle over profits seems to have also played a part in the cancelation of the walkie-talkie feature. Still, it remains uncertain why Apple ditched the project altogether, although it's safe to assume the feature meant to use Intel components.
Off-grid messaging services in and of themselves aren't a novelty — they've been a thing since, well, walkie-talkies, and most likely earlier than that. Pictochat, a picture and drawing-sharing chat app on the Nintendo DS, is somewhat similar. Is there hope of this feature ever resurfacing down the line? Probably. After all, Apple already has a walkie-talkie app for its watch, and if it proves to be popular enough, Apple might just have to dig up this feature from its graveyard.
Apple, Qualcomm, And Intel
As for Apple and Intel's relationship, Apple is expected to start using Qualcomm modems in iPhones again beginning in 2020. This despite years of battling the chipmaker in the courtroom, sending hints it would rely on Intel in the future and ditch Qualcomm altogether, only to end up making peace with the company again. But rekindling of good terms impacted Intel's business; the chipmaker had to sell its entire smartphone modem business, which Apple later bought for a billion dollars. Not too bad an ending then.
It's not certain what Apple intends to do with the walkie-talkie idea moving forward. In any case, make sure to check back with Tech Times as we learn more. It's something that's too useful for Apple to just sweep under the rug and never revisit.
Thoughts about iPhones having a walkie-talkie feature? As always, if you have anything to share, feel free to sound them off in the comments section below!
