In a surprising turn of events, the often-overlooked walkie-talkie app on the Apple Watch has garnered attention, leaving users intrigued by its potential.
Speculation about the iPhone 15 Pro potentially incorporating an “Action” button has piqued curiosity, as this rumored addition could bring a novel and customizable feature reminiscent of the Apple Watch’s walkie-talkie app.
The transition to an Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro has raised questions due to users’ familiarity with the physical mute switch on current models. Nonetheless, the prospect of enhanced functionality is generating excitement. While new features like the periscope camera and robust titanium frame for the iPhone 15 Pro Max are highly anticipated, the possibility of an iPhone with walkie-talkie capabilities is particularly enticing.
With the much-awaited iPhone 15 event just a month away, leaked images of a dummy iPhone 15 Pro unit featuring cutouts for a USB-C port and the rumored Action button have set the stage for speculation about the incorporation of a walkie-talkie feature.
A key reason behind the interest in the proposed Action button, akin to the Apple Watch Ultra, lies in its potential for customization. If this button leverages haptic and capacitive technology, it could serve as a versatile push-to-talk communication tool for iPhone users. The iOS 17 beta 4 release has hinted at presets associated with the Action button, including a familiar mute function. Beyond existing functions and apps, buried code implies that this button could also initiate more complex actions using the iOS Shortcuts app.
While one could theoretically program the Action button to initiate a call, the challenge of waiting for the recipient’s response remains. The true value would be instantaneous communication, mirroring the walkie-talkie experience. Achieving this would require Apple to integrate the feature natively into iOS, as it currently resides exclusively within watchOS. This move could potentially extend the feature to older iPhones, offering an alternative communication method.
Incorporating such a feature into iOS could also serve as a boon during emergencies. The Apple Watch’s walkie-talkie functionality, akin to Amazon Alexa’s Drop-In feature, allows for immediate communication without formal acceptance. This utility has proven immensely helpful when conventional calls or texts go unanswered. Beyond convenience, there’s a critical life-saving potential – programming the Action button as a push-to-talk function could be instrumental in seeking help during urgent situations where time is of the essence.
As anticipation builds for the unveiling of the iPhone 15 models, the prospect of the Action button taking inspiration from the Apple Watch’s hidden gem looms large. With leaks indicating the button’s existence, Apple might be on the cusp of simplifying users’ lives yet again.