The iPhone feature would have reportedly worked like a text version of a walkie talkie. The Information reports that it made use of the 900MHz radio spectrum to send messages when mobile networks are unavailable. Internally, it went by the name of Project ORGS.
There’s no clear indication as to why the company decided to axe the project. That said, it may have something to do with Rubén Caballero leaving the company earlier in the year. Sources to The Information say that he was the one who was in charge of the project. Another possible reason behind abandoning the feature may be related to Apple’s return to using Qualcomm chips. The feature was designed around the use of Intel’s modems, which Apple has recently acquired. (Source: The Information via Engadget)
