Apple CEO Tim Cook apologized Friday for the new Maps app in iOS 6 falling short of users' expectations and said the company is working now on a fix.
"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 said in a letter to Apple customers, posted on Apple's website. "We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers and we are doing everything we can to make Maps better."
Apple introduced its homegrown Maps app with the release of its new mobile operating system iOS 6 earlier this month. The app replaces the former Google Maps app that came native with all prior releases of iOS and, despite performing almost identical functions, has failed to win over users.
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Apple's new app feels glitchy and the directions seem sub par, various reviews have suggested.
"Satellite photo views consist of stitched-together scenes from completely different seasons, weather conditions and even years," wrote New York Times tech columnist David Pogue. "The point-of-interest data, in particular, seems to be incomplete or flaky, especially overseas."
What's more, Apple seemed to miss the mark when it comes to the labeling of certain locations; The Boston Globe noted this week that the Madison Square Garden arena in New York City, along with the TD Garden arena in Boston, are identified as green park space because their names contain the word "Garden."
Apple is working to improve its new Maps app and, in the meantime, encourages users to download third-party apps from the App Store, such as MapQuest, or even revert back to Google.
"Everything we do at Apple is aimed at making our products the best in the world," Cook wrote in the letter. "We know that you expect that from us, and we will keep working non-stop until Maps lives up to the same incredibly high standard."
Apple's poor showing in the Maps arena didn't seem to affect sales of its new iPhone 5, which runs iOS 6 and features the new app. The Cupertino giant reported this week that it sold more than 5 million of its latest smartphone within the first three days it became available.
PUBLISHED SEPT. 28, 2012
