Without a cell phone or WiFi connection, Apple is attempting to reinvent class voice chat.

Many people can talk to each other using an iPhone and a headset.
Apple is developing a technology that will allow anyone in close proximity with an iPhone and AirPods to start an audio call. No WiFi or cell service is required. The Apple Watch’s Walkie-Talkie function would allow instant communication with groups instead of individuals. This new technology, unlike the Walkie-Talkie, would eliminate the roundtrip from Apple’s servers, which can make Walkie-Talkie insecure at times. This would also allow groups to communicate simultaneously, unlike Walkie Talkie. Apple has published a patent application that details a person-to-person communication system between devices. Instead of using the internet, messages would be sent directly. This technology would bring a new level of communication, allowing users the ability to select up to three people to communicate with, all while using their iPhone. This would work much like AirDrop but for conversations. AirDrop allows iPhone users to connect with another iPhone user and share files, without having to connect to a network. This technology allows for one-to many connections where all members of a group can talk to each at the same time. A group of people attending a festival could communicate to each other about where they will meet. The iPhone will display how close the people are using the same technology as the AirTag that shows distance and direction. Apple’s Ultra Wide Band technology (UWB), which is already available on the iPhone and Apple Watch, allows them to detect the location a person or an object. UWB is similar to echolocation in that it sends out radio waves, and measures the return signals. The UWB chips is what allows iOS and watchOS to get compass-like directions to devices such as the AirTag, and to get a real-time update of the distance. This could be used to meet people. The same festival-goers could chat up other attendees and share tips or provide guidance on what to do. The distance and directions to other people can help groups meet. Apple’s system would allow groups to communicate with anyone nearby. Teams could coordinate without requiring the same walkie-talkie frequencies or system. In an emergency, cell phone networks can be overloaded or non-functional. Apple’s technology allows coordination even when cell connections are down. The patent shows a user interface that displays nearby people in a proximity circle. The closest people are those in the main circle, while those farther away are displayed in a larger one. The rings on the circle show the distance at which this ad hoc network would work. The new technology, similar to AirDrop allows users to add people to the chat even when they are not on their contact list. The names of people known to the user will be displayed, while the names of unknown users will also appear based on distance. Users can add people to a conversation by tapping on their name. They can also tap as many people nearby as they want. As people entered range, they could be added to the conversation. Unknown people could, presumably, share a photo and contact card, similar to when you start a message conversation with a group. The patent application shows an iPhone and headset as the main technology to make this work. It’s not hard to imagine headsets such as the Apple Vision Pro being used for these point-topoint communications. As these systems become smaller, perhaps even to the size of Apple’s rumored glasses, the ability to chat directly with people in your locality will become easier. Esge B.Andersen and Cedrik Bacon are credited with the patent application. Andersen originally filed the patent in 2022 under the same name.