

According to Time, who profiled Japan’s earthquake warning system earlier this year, the system gives warnings from seconds to one or two minutes before the earthquake hits. Time also explains the history of the system: Japan has the most advanced earthquake early-warning system in the world. A nationwide online system launched in 2007, it detects tremors, calculates an earthquake’s epicenter and sends out brief warnings from its 1,000-plus seismographs scattered throughout the country, one of the most earthquake-prone nations on the planet.

This new notification options truly showcases Apple’s commitment to safety for those in Japan. Apple said iOS 5 will ship this fall, but hasn’t announced an actual release date yet. The update is, however, generally expected to roll out some time in September or October along with a new version of the iPhone. (9to5MAC)