Apple looks to recruit over two dozen new iOS staffers
updated 04:30 pm EST, Tue March 8, 2011
Strong emphasis on location tech
Apple has this week opened up over two dozen new jobs related to iOS, AppleInsider notes. Seven of these are for location technology software engineers. Instead of a job description, unusually, each listing is populated with "TBD," which may imply that the work involved has yet to be narrowed down or is a closely-guarded corporate secret.
The company has regularly shown interest in expanding its location technology, for instance by filing for patents on location-aware homescreens or Google Latitude-style sharing apps. iOS also continues to go without promised Google Maps Navigation functions, something many Android phones support by default. Apple could be looking to integrate Maps Navigation into iOS 5.
The sheer number of job openings suggests that the company may want to accelerate iOS development. It is for example hiring antenna and Bluetooth specialists, and developers ready to work on iOS' photo and calendar apps. Other available positions cover fields like access security, productivity and media apps, or creating the imagery used in the firmware.
iOS 5 is generally expected to arrive in June or July, in time for a new iPhone.
