In 2026, finding a way to communicate with someone is not difficult. Even from an Apple Watch, it is possible to send messages or make phone calls depending on your configuration. However, there is a rather clever way to communicate through an Apple Watch, although reports indicate that Apple may have removed it – at least according to the latest watchOS 27 beta. Although it was likely removed for various reasons, the internet seems torn over Apple’s decision.
The latest developer beta of iOS 27 removed the Walkie Talkie feature from the Apple Watch app list and Control Center. Introduced in watchOS 5.3 and requiring FaceTime to work properly, the Walkie-Talkie feature would have allowed users to press and hold a button to send messages to anyone else who had the app. Essentially, it was a push-to-talk feature.
It is unclear from current reports whether the removal is permanent or not, although there may be some hope for its return. The walkie-talkie was a nice feature that added a bit of fun, and we found it to be an overlooked feature that users should know about. As for watchOS 27, users can expect a public release this fall, bringing a variety of new features, although five older models will lose compatibility.
Apple’s walkie-talkie feature removed from watchOS 27 beta
The first developer beta for watchOS 27 has already been released and users quickly noticed that the Walkie-Talkie app was nowhere to be found. Unfortunately, there also seems to be no way to add it back. It’s worth noting that over the years of availability, Apple has never made a substantial update to this feature. For now, Apple has remained tight-lipped about removing the feature from beta, leaving users wondering if it might return in the future.
Even though Apple has yet to explain why the feature was removed (or even if it’s officially removed), that hasn’t stopped the internet from speculating about possible reasons for its disappearance. Its reliance on FaceTime potentially made setup complicated (or confusing), and the feature itself was rather niche in the first place. As an Apple Watch owner, it’s pretty easy to forget that the Walkie-Talkie app exists. Texting someone or just calling them is usually more convenient, although this feature can make you feel like an old-school spy.
The internet also seems conflicted over the removal of this feature, with users on Reddit expressing varying opinions. Although some users report using it all the time, especially with children, others report having difficulty getting it to work. For now, Apple Watch users can still use the walkie-talkie, and nothing is officially released before a public release. Those looking for an alternative may want to consider this cool retro solution.
