iOS 8 to Include Transit-Heavy Apple Maps Overhaul

A day after Apple released iOS 7.1, with support for CarPlay and improvements to Siri and Touch ID, there are reports that Cupertino's next-gen iOS 8 will include a transit-heavy update.

According to 9to5Mac, the tech giant is planning to leverage its transportation-related acquisitions, like HopStop and Locationary, to boost its controversial Maps app in the next version of iOS.

Citing unnamed sources, the tech blog said Apple engineers are weaving features from BroadMap,Embark, and HopStop into the iOS Maps database, enhancing the reliability of an app that had so many glitches, it spawned a parody Tumblr blog and Twitter account.

Apple Maps arrived in mid-2012 with iOS 6. Apple's renovated application promised turn-by-turn navigation, improved traffic reports, and Yelp integration, as well as flyover 3D modeling.

Problems, however, ultimately forced CEO Tim Cook to release a public apology for the "work in progress" app, and resulted in the dismissal of iOS chief Scott Forstall.

According to 9to5Mac, the updates scheduled for iOS 8 are more about internal updates. Specifically, injecting new points of interest and labels to make airports, parks, train stations, bus stops, highways, and freeways easier to find.

The company will also add public transit directions—currently unavailable except through third-party apps. Presumably, this move will allow users to find out the best train and bus options, perhaps even cycling directions, which Google already includes in its own map app.