I think I'd rather just eliminate the ringing portion of a phone call (when I have airpods in) and instead just let a trusted list of contacts talk directly into my ear (1-way) until I "answer" and open up a 2-way channel.
The "answer" button seems to serve to also say "I'm ready to listen" as much as it does to say "I'm ready to say". IMO this kind of goal is better covered by voice messages, or, at least, starting with a voice message. This allows the receiver to pick when they are ready to hear it (including immediately), replay it as needed, and choose when they respond (if at all). Many of these are benefits for the sender as much as the receiver.
Yeah I want “Apple Intercom” or something where me and my girlfriend can have linked airpods and it’s like a spy movie. Perfect for communicating in loud places or crowds without requiring data.
Not sure if you ever had a Nextel phone, but they had a cellular walkie talkie feature for awhile. It was pretty popular in my high school circa 2003, but I remember kinda hating it.
