# Smartwatch Communication Features Apple Brings Back Its Walkie Talkie Feature to Its Apple Watch By Daniel Johnson | Published 2019-07-29 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/walkie-talkie-feature References: [theverge](https://www.theverge.com/2019/7/22/20704030/apple-watch-walkie-talkie-fix-ios-12-4-update-migration-news) & [apple](https://www.apple.com/ca/watch/) [Apple](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-watch-series-8) has brought back its walkie talkie feature for its [Apple watch](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-watch-series-11). The feature was originally taken off due to security issues that have now been addressed. Apple has stated that there is no indication that a security breach did happen. The walkie talkie feature allows users to access calls by simply pushing a button. The feature was available through a reworked version of FaceTime Audio and it was originally added with the release of watch OS 5. However the new operating system watch OS 5.3 now has brought the feature back. The updated feature comes as a result of a software update that fixed the vulnerability of the hands-free communication system. A number of other features were also tweaked with the software update, including and EKG feature as well as [irregular heartbeat notifications](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sleep-apnea-1). Image Credit: Apple ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.9/10 - Popularity: 37% | Activity: 42% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Walkie Talkie Feature:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop a secure and reliable walkie talkie feature for smartwatches that enhances communication capabilities. - **Hands-free Communication:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore advanced hands-free communication technologies for smartwatches to provide convenient and seamless user experiences. - **Health Monitoring Features:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate advanced health monitoring features like EKG and irregular heartbeat notifications into smartwatches for proactive health management. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Smartwatch Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Continue refining smartwatch technology to unlock new communication and health monitoring capabilities. - **Telecommunications:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Collaborate with smartwatch manufacturers to develop secure and efficient communication features for interconnected devices. - **Healthtech:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Leverage smartwatch capabilities to revolutionize health monitoring and enable proactive healthcare in the digital age. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Accessible Smart Watch Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/galaxy-watch-4.md) - [Rugged Satellite Connectivity Smartwatches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-watch-ultra-3.md) - [Advanced Smartwatch Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-watch-series-8.md) - [Health-Focused Smartwatch Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/galaxy-watch4.md) - [Safety-Prioritizing Smartwatches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pixel-watch-fall-detection.md) - [Improved Smartwatch Operating Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wear-os-5.md) - [Kid-Inspired Safety Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smartwatch-phone-for-kids.md) - [Vehicle-Forward Watch Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tesla-apple-watch-app.md) - [Ruggedized Sustainable Smartwatches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-watch-ultra-2.md)