iPhone 2.2 OS with Google Maps Street View (screenshots)

Google Maps Street View on iPhone (notice the inset circular window)

We’ve been waiting on Apple to seed their Beta 2 iPhone 2.2 OS update to developers in October, and today we’re hearing that Apple has finally given iPhone developers an early release of the next iPhone OS update. As expected, the iPhone 2.2 OS update enables the heralded Google Maps Street View feature that was highlighted on the Google Android-powered T-Mobile G1. The T-Mobile G1 supports it, Java devices are already enjoying Street View, and even Windows Mobile users can get jiggy with street-level Google Maps. Next up, the iPhone and iPhone 3G.

In addition to the iPhone Safari UI refresh that we showed you earlier this month, the iPhone 2.2 OS will be featuring a significantly overhauled version of Google Maps. Screenshots (below) of the iPhone 2.2 OS show Google Maps Street View in action as well as map-directions for walking, driving, or mass transit.

Notable in the Google Maps Street View feature is the small, circular, inset window that keeps the user informed of their current position within the 3D Google Maps Street View perspective. And, with driving, walking, and mass transit directions, Google Maps can efficiently tailor your directions based on your method of travel.

Moreover, MacRumors is reporting that the iPhone 2.2 OS supports Line-in audio accessories – paving the way for audio recording accessories on the iPhone.

Unfortunately for anyone holding out for cut-and-paste functionality on the iPhone, the latest iPhone 2.2 OS beta shows no signs of a global cut/paste solution.

Make the jump to get at a gallery of Google Maps Street View screenshots.