Apple Releases iOS 6.1 Beta 2 to Developers

Apple has released the second beta of iOS 6.1 to developers, and it appears that work continues on the company's Passbook feature and controversial Maps app.

Beta 2 expands on the first beta with enhancements to the Map Kit framework. New additions to the beta will let apps "perform map-based searches for addresses and points of interest," Apple said, as reported by idownloadblog. "The results are then delivered to the app as an array of map item objects."

AppleInsider said one example Apple provided was entering the word "coffee" in an app, which would return nearby coffee shops.

On the Passbook front, Apple said that going forward, boarding passes that include a date and location will be active for a longer period of time. iOS 6.1 will also reportedly include more details about how Passbook actually works for those new to the service.

The update is only available to registered Apple developers and will expire on Dec. 28, idownloadblog said. The last rolled out earlier this month with bug fixes.

For more, see PCMag's review of iOS 6. Also check out .