Hopstop iOS App Gets Refresh After Apple Purchase

It's still unclear what Apple has in store for its recently acquired HopStop public transportation navigation service, but it looks like the iOS app isn't going away — at least for now.

An update for the iOS version of HopStop rolled out this weekend, bringing support for cities in the U.K., Germany, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Israel, as well as a new user interface and other helpful changes. Android users unfortunately did not get the same update, while the Windows Phone version was killed off shortly after the Apple purchase.

Hopstop for iOS version 2.6 now lets you report real-time delays, crowds, incidents, service changes, station closures, broken elevators, as well as suggestions and complaints. You can also save your home and work addresses from the Settings menu for easy access when you need directions.

For additional convenience, the app now lets you view your saved trips directly from the search screen, so you can more quickly access directions you call upon often. Plus, there's an updated user interface and new font, presumably to bring the app more in line with Apple's aesthetic.

Apple purchased HopStop last week following an acquisition of the crowdsourced location data company Locationary. The move to purchase both companies is likely intended to boost Apple's struggling Maps product, which does not currently include public transportation information like bus, subway, and train schedules.

Following the acquisition, Apple quickly pulled the Windows Phone version of HopStop, causing some to worry about the future of other platforms. At this point, HopStop is still available for Android devices through the Google Play store. The updated iOS app is available in the App Store.

Launched in 2004, HopStop offers door-to-door transit, walking, biking, and taxi directions for more than 300 cities worldwide through its website and free mobile apps.