Didn't see this coming: Apple boss Tim Cook has apologised for the shambolic debut of Apple Maps -- and recommended you use Google, Bing or Nokia maps apps instead.
"At Apple, we strive to make world-class products that deliver the best experience possible to our customers. With the launch of our new Maps last week, we fell short on this commitment," Cook admits in an open letter on the Apple website. "We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers and we are doing everything we can to make Maps better.
"We launched Maps initially with the first version of iOS", Cook continues, neglecting to mention the Maps app was actually Google Maps. "As time progressed, we wanted to provide our customers with even better Maps, including features such as turn-by-turn directions, voice integration, Flyover and vector-based maps. In order to do this, we had to create a new version of Maps from the ground up."
Turn-by-turn directions proved to be the sticking point in the relationship between Google and Apple, the fruit-flavoured phone-flinger ditching the Big G's maps app because Google refused to hand over the important feature.
"There are already more than 100 million iOS devices using the new Apple Maps, with more and more joining us every day. In just over a week, iOS users with the new Maps have already searched for nearly half a billion locations," he writes, although he doesn't reveal how many have actually found their location. "The more our customers use our Maps the better it will get and we greatly appreciate all of the feedback we have received from you."
But wait -- it gets better:
"While we're improving Maps, you can try alternatives by downloading map apps from the App Store like Bing, MapQuest and Waze, or use Google or Nokia maps by going to their websites and creating an icon on your home screen to their web app."
Humble stuff indeed. I'm genuinely surprised Apple has apologised: the company usually brazens out its mistakes, insisting scratches on the iPhone are normal and even claiming that defects are your fault. Still, Apple does need to get used to apologising publicly -- a court-mandated public apology is due to Samsung soon.
Are you impressed with Apple's apology? Tell me your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook page.
Android App 
RSS Feeds 
iPhone App 
Newsletters 
24 month contract
24 month contract
Comments 17
Add your comment
samuelc 28 September, 2012 15:05
As a long time Android user, I've just gained a little bit of respect for Apple, it's nice to see them properly hold their hands up and say they've done something wrong, and I think iPhone users will respect them for that too.
It still doesn't persuade me to buy an iPhone though.
anonymous 28 September, 2012 15:24
shut up apple
Jerome Fanfair 28 September, 2012 15:35
I agree with samuelcm, credit to Apple/Mr Cook for admitting their mistake and suggesting a solution that's best for the customer.
I currently use the Galaxy s3 but won't pretend I'm not jealous of some of the IOS features, as I'm sure there are also android features that Apple users desire.
The fact that Apple have at least attempted to create their own maps software will ultimately benefit us as consumers, competition leads to innovation and progression.
anonymous 28 September, 2012 15:42
evil laugh MOOOAHAHAHAHAHAHAH HAHAHAHA AHAHAHAHAHHA HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA MOOOOOOOOOOOAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH MO OMO MO AHAHAHAHAHA
anonymous 28 September, 2012 15:56
As a big android user myself watching apple apologize for anything is stunning. Maybe it is a recognition of the walled garden that is the apple ecosystem is not perfect and that the 'innovation' within apple is struggling. This and the constant litigation fights over patents do not endear them to too much sympathy. But overall welcome. Would this have happened under Mr Jobs watch? I don't think so. Mr Cook is maybe a little more mindful of apple's shortcomings to brazen it out.
Jason Alexander 28 September, 2012 18:20
Don't beat yourself up too much, turn by turn navigation trumps street view any day. Plus your new phone is kick ass!
shauney3 28 September, 2012 18:50
Well kudos for apologising. But then he left Google out of the 'Maps on the first iPhone speech'. Not cool. Just not cool.
shauney3 28 September, 2012 18:50
oh and @Jason Alexander - yes but having both is WAY better ;-)
anonymous 28 September, 2012 20:55
For shame Apple , luckily there's still a work around to use Google Maps on an iOS 6 powered device: http://www.gametrender.net/2012/09/google-maps-for-ios-6.html
anonymous 28 September, 2012 23:02
Turn by turn navigation? Nothing new to Android, it's been around for a long time, just like street view, and the maps work too...
1453 29 September, 2012 01:27
ooh they are pathetic! Period!
truth is they wanted to ditch Google asap and accepted it, not being able to provide a decent alternative! So they created something "from the ground up", added some "flyover" bullshit to draw off the attention from the actual rubbish they produced and want the iPhone users now to provide them with their information to get it done, properly!
"But in the meantime you are more then welcome to use other mapping applications on your new iPhone 5, Thank You idiot!"
anonymous 29 September, 2012 08:37
I think it is great! Apple maps are going to get better. No doubt, that It is difficult to compete with Google. Microsoft has tried , Nokia and etc. So, i respect the decision to move from the Google and totally support Apple. Just give them a bit time.
All good!
anonymous 29 September, 2012 14:21
Well Google tried to hold back Apples IOS by refusing to give information they needed. Good on Apple for taking the risk and apologising for what has been blown out of all proportion.
anonymous 29 September, 2012 15:37
Nokia must also apologize and replace its maps with google maps on lumia 610 b'coz it is useless.
anonymous 29 September, 2012 15:40
i love getting lost with my scratched up iphone5 and take blue tinted photos of things
BIGPADDY 30 September, 2012 15:35
Nokia maps
anonymous 1 October, 2012 15:32
Anon 8.37...why should I give them 'more time'? It's not for me the consumer to give them time to make something I've just shelled out huge amounts for! That's not what you expect when you pay for the most expensive product available! They should have given themselves more time and got it right before release.
Anon 14.21...Google aren't actively trying to 'hold back' another OS. That would probably involve very aggressive litigation. That's what Apple are doing to everybody else. No, what Google are doing to Apple's OS is just not helping. Why should they? That's not the same as holding it back. If Apple wasn't stamping it's feet and trying to mess everybody else up maybe Google would be more generous.