This week, Apple announced iOS 16, which brings new features such as a redesigned lock screen with widgets, enhanced focus mode, iMessage improvements, passkeys, and more. Additionally, iOS 16 comes with several new APIs, including one that allows you to use your walkie-talkie for third-party apps.
The new API is called “Push to Talk” and allows developers to add a walkie-talkie to their iOS apps. In a session at WWDC 2022, Apple demonstrated how the new API works and how developers can implement it.
iOS already allows audio apps to run in the background, but so far this has been limited to things like regular voice messages or even an audio call. With the Push to Talk API, audio messages are sent and played in real time, even in the background.
We’re coming out loud to help you implement walkie-talkie into your application – the end! Learn how to add a prominent system interface to your Push-to-Talk app for fast, one-button communications. We’ll introduce you to the PushToTalk platform and show you how to set up your apps to send and receive audio – even in the background.
Walkie-talkie communication appears at the top of the screen when someone sends you a message, and iOS shows the app icon and the name of the person who is talking to you. After you hear the message, you can reply in real time with audio or leave the conversation. Push to Talk works for individual conversations or even groups.
What about the Apple walkie-talkie?
Apple Watch users may be familiar with the Apple Walkie-Talkie app that comes preinstalled with watchOS 5. While the new API in iOS 16 works in a similar way, they’re different things.
The Apple Walkie-Talkie app uses the FaceTime Audio infrastructure to send and receive messages in real time. As for the new API, it requires the developer to implement their own backend for delivering and receiving audio messages. The only thing the API allows is a universal walkie talkie interface that works even in the background.
Of course, with this new API, Apple may introduce its own Walkie-Talkie app for iPhone and iPad in the future. But for now, this feature relies on third-party apps.
Developers can find more information about the new Push to Talk API on the Apple Developer website.
Learn more about iOS 16
iOS 16 is now available as developer beta software. The public beta will be released next month, with an official release expected this fall.
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