Apple Bringing Transit Directions to iOS 9, Deploying Robots for Indoor Mapping

Apple is planning to finally bring transit directions to Maps with iOS 9, after originally hoping to ship the features with iOS 8, according to 9to5mac. Apple will be launching bus, subway, and train navigation as the main Maps upgrade with iOS 9.

Sources said last year that the transit functionality for Maps includes larger icons for users to more quickly spot airports, subway stations, and train stations within the Maps app. In addition to the main functionality, there is also a trip planning feature for transit, and a new Transit view alongside the existing Standard, Hybrid, and Satellite/Flyover views.

Apple Maps has lacked transit directions ever since its launched with iOS 6. Apple had hoped to ship the new Map features with iOS 8, but failed due to poor project management and other internal factors. The transit directions were actually included in internal iOS 8 betas last year, but never saw a public release; however, Apple has since then refined the data, added more cities, and developed a new push notification system to notify users when new cities gain support.


In addition to transit directions in Maps, Apple has quietly been working on an indoor mapping project. Apple hopes to update iOS maps in the future to help users navigate buildings and more. While the feature may not go live this year, Apple has already begun mapping out it its own headquarters in Cupertino. The company has reportedly deployed autonomous robots with iBeacon sensors to collect data for the project. Apple is also working on a new project that involves mapping out high-resolution street view footage.

iOS 9 and OS X 10.11 are expected to be unveiled at WWDC in a couple weeks. Please follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, or RSS for updates.