Apple may be preparing to say goodbye to one of the Apple Watch's most unique features.
Users testing the latest watchOS 27 developer beta have noticed that the Walkie-Talkie app has vanished from both the app list and Control Center, raising questions about its future.
The company has not officially commented on the change, leaving Apple Watch users wondering whether the feature will return before the final release later this year.
The Walkie-Talkie feature, first introduced in watchOS 5.3, appears to have been removed from the first developer beta of watchOS 27.
Users testing the software discovered that the app is no longer available on supported Apple Watch models, and there currently appears to be no option to manually add it back.
Apple has yet to explain whether the removal is temporary or part of a broader decision to discontinue the feature altogether.
What was the walkie-talkie feature?
Walkie-Talkie allowed Apple Watch users to communicate instantly using a push-to-talk system similar to traditional two-way radios.
The feature relied on FaceTime connectivity and enabled users to press and hold a button to send short voice messages to friends and family who also had the feature enabled.
While texting and phone calls remain more common communication methods, Walkie-Talkie offered a faster and more playful way to stay connected.
Why might Apple be removing it?
Although Apple has not provided an official explanation, industry observers believe several factors may have contributed to the feature's disappearance.
One possible reason is its dependence on FaceTime, which some users found confusing during setup. Others argue that the feature served a niche audience and was often overlooked in favor of standard messaging or phone calls.
Notably, Apple has made very few updates to Walkie-Talkie since its launch, suggesting it may no longer be a priority feature for the company.
Users divided over the decision
The apparent removal has sparked mixed reactions among Apple Watch users online.
Some users on discussion forums say they frequently use Walkie-Talkie, particularly for communicating with children or family members. Others report rarely using the feature or experiencing reliability issues that made it less practical.
The differing opinions highlight the challenge Apple faces when deciding whether to retire long-standing features with dedicated but relatively small user bases.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Walkie-Talkie, watchOS 27 is expected to introduce several new features and improvements when it launches publicly later this year.
Apple is also reportedly ending support for several older Apple Watch models as part of the software update, although newer devices will continue receiving the latest features and enhancements.
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