iOS 8 details emerge

Apple released iOS 7.1 yesterday, bringing various stability fixes and UI tweaks to the table and marking the system's first major update since the initial release that took place last year in mid-September.

Now 9to5Mac reports that a lot of changes related to its Maps application will be implemented in iOS 8, making it the most important move for this iOS component since Apple decided to drop support for the mapping database provided by Google back in late 2012.

To upgrade the database with improved data, Apple acquired several companies such as Embark, HopStop, and BroadMap, so the new iOS Maps will get more points of interest and new labels. Sources also mentioned that the interface has been slightly changed to be easier to use and to make streets more visible.

The Maps app in iOS 8 will also bring a public transit directions feature which allows users to use their iOS devices to plan travel from one point to another using public transportation, including bus, train, and subway data. In the beginning, this facility will be offered for major cities across the United States, such as San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles.

Next to the above, iOS 8 could include a fitness and health application called Healthbook, as well as various other enhancements. iOS 8 could debut during Apple's WWDC conference in June.