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Apple failed to add public transit directions to its Maps app this year with the release of\u00a0iOS 8, but a new patent from the company suggests those features may still be on the way. The documents, which were published by the U.S. Patent Office this week, reveal plans for a new user interface with support for both public and private transportation.<\/p>\n
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Sketches included in the patent are a little rough, but offer a taste of what Apple may have planned. Like with Google Maps, you\u2019ll be able to pick from a number of routes with estimated times for each one. The update might also add a separate tab for advisories, which could let you know if a train isn\u2019t running on time. There\u2019s even a favorites tab, presumably for storing a list of the locations you visit most often.<\/p>\n
If Apple is planning to update Maps with transit directions, it probably won\u2019t happen until next year. The company generally groups new features into bigger updates, which means we might be waiting until the release of iOS 9. Of course, it\u2019s possible Apple could push out transit directions in a smaller update earlier next year, but we wouldn\u2019t count on anything until Cupertino makes an official announcement. Though it does seem Apple is serious about upgrading the Apple Maps experience with this development as well asrecent hiring attempts<\/a>.<\/p>\n