Build 10A403 improves Maps application, 3D renderings

Sep 13, 2012 09:03 GMT  ·  By

People enrolled with Apple’s paid developer program are getting notified that iOS 6 GM (Golden Master) is now available for download. The build comes with a few improvements to the Maps application.

Cupertino is addressing paid developer program members, stating “iOS 6 will soon be in the hands of hundreds of millions of iOS customers.”

“To prepare your apps for submission, download the GM seeds for iOS 6 and Xcode 4.5 and test your existing apps for compatibility.”

The company urges developers to download the updated App Store Review Guidelines, as well as the iOS 6 Readiness Checklist, to be in line with all the rules. Submissions are accepted as early as today.

According to people who’ve already tried out the software, iOS 6 GM brings further improvements in the Maps application. For example, zoomed images have smoother borders around foliage, as well as advanced rendering, according to AppleInsider.

Apple’s Maps app differentiates itself from Google’s by using an automated masking system that leaves only a “ghost image” of vehicles behind.

According to the same Apple-centric site, there’s a minor tweak to the ‘cityscape’ icon, “which takes the place of the ‘3D’ asset when viewing areas that have Flyover data.”

Finally, the app is said to feel faster than in previous builds, with more detail appearing on certain structures.

Developers visiting Apple’s iOS Dev Center to download the goods will be greeted by the following message.

iOS 6 GM Seed

This is a pre-release version of iOS 6 GM seed for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. Devices updated to iOS 6 GM seed cannot be restored to earlier versions of iOS.”

The download is provided for all devices starting with the iPhone 3GS and newer models. The build number is 10A403.