Apple has quietly rolled out an update to the iOS 6 Maps app in Japan, after initially revealing similar changes in iOS 6.1.1 beta 1 in February. First noted by Macotakara (via 9to5Mac), the changes were made without requiring an iOS update, and include mostly relatively minor performance enhancements and tweaks.
The changes are described in the iOS 6.1.1 beta 1 release notes (that update eventually became the iOS 6.1.3 beta):
iOS 6.1.1 beta 1 includes the following improvements to Maps for Japan:
– Improved pronunciation of roads during turn-by-turn navigation
– Optimized directions to more strongly prefer highways over narrower roads
– Now indicates upcoming toll roads during turn-by-turn navigation
– Added labels for junctions, interchanges, on-ramps, off-ramps, and intersections
– Added indicators for transit station buildings, subway lines, and traffic lights
– Updated freeway color to green
– Updated icons for some location categories including fire stations, hospitals, and post offices Added 3D buildings including Tokyo Station, Japan Imperial Palace, and Tokyo Tower
The updates should come as welcome changes to Japanese users of Apple’s Maps app, and are automatically being pushed to all devices running the latest iOS 6.1.2 update without the need for users to take action.
