iOS 8 update: Apple prepares for release, new features revealed

The newest beta version of the iOS 8 from Apple is believed to be packed with an ingenious Maps feature.

An AppleInsider reader said that if a user clicks on the contact number of an establishment using the Maps app, it will be automatically redirected to other information such as the establishment's business website, its physical address, as well as its Yelp score. It will also be included in the iPhone's Recents list.

The AppleInsider reader also notes that this reported function is very useful for users who are not exactly familiar to a place, or just recently moved into a new neighborhood. The app can help them discover destinations such as dining and entertainment facilities within the area.

If a user decides to use this function, a successive Safari search will also yield similar results similar to the Maps search.

This is not the only new feature of the latest iOS update.

Speculators believe that the iOS 8 was the upgrade that everyone hoped for in iOS 7.

Some of the most notable changes that iOS 8 will bring to Apple gadgets are improved Siri performance, better TouchID, Apps with enhanced features, as well as a more functional lockscreen.

iOS 8 will be compatible with an iPhone 4S or newer versions of iPhones, as well as iPad 2 and its successors. iPhone 4 users may not be able to download the latest iOS update.

Also, iPad mini and iPad mini 2 tablets as well as iPod touch 5th generation will also work well with the iOS 8.

Most sources mentioned that Apple is almost nearing the conclusion of the beta testing cycle for iOS 8. The final version of the iOS 8 Gold Master version is scheduled to be released this fall.