Apple patents map-based iPhone radio app

Back in 2009, we reported that Apple was working on a Radio app for the iPhone. Today Patently Apple reports that Apple has patented a Radio.app. As you can see in the image above, the iPhone mockup on the right is displaying your traditional radio app with presets and song info. The image on the left is where things get interesting. The iPhone on the left is displaying a map with your location along with all the nearby radio towers.

This patented radio feature would be very helpful for people driving around and looking for the best possible radio signals. The radio signal strength is symbolized by the half circles above the radio towers, similarly to the AirPort signal strength indicators on Apple’s iOS devices and Macs. If Apple’s patent actually comes to life this will be extremely useful for people constantly searching for strong radio strength. Then again most of what Apple patents never sees the light of day — or Apple’s labs for that matter.