iPhone users in Japan will receive earthquake warning notification with the next version of Apple’s iOS operating system.

More than 16,000 people died in the tsunami in 2011. Following the disaster Apple has added this feature to the iOS 5 operating system, to replace the warning applications from the App Store such as Yurekuru Call.

Japan has sophisticated early warning system which collects readings from more than 1,000 seismic sensors, and are run through radio, television and text message under the Area Mail Disaster Information Service.

In Japan, 3G cellphones are compelled by the Japanese law to have SMS-CB technology to receive mass messages sent to all handsets in a designated area. To receive notification on iPhone, the user has to flick a switch to start receiving notifications.

The message accompanying Apple's new feature reads: The earthquake early warning/alert. When the setting is on, your battery life may be reduced.

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