Apple CEO Tim Cook 'Extremely Sorry' For iOS 6 Maps

Apple CEO Tim Cook has said that the company is extremely sorry for the new Maps applications in iOS 6, and has suggested that iPhone users try Google instead.

During a week of embarrassment for the iPhone maker, users around the world have reported problems with the new Maps app, which replaces the Google-powered app of old with an all-new, Apple-created version.

While it added voice-guided, turn-by-turn directions and 3D buildings in some cities, users have found places spelt wrong, towns located incorrectly and some areas completely covered by cloud, making the satellite images useless.

As a result, Cook addressed iOS users with the following open letter:

To our customers,

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. 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. 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.

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. 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.

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.

Everything we do at Apple is aimed at making our products the best in the world. 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.

Tim Cook
Apple's CEO

It now seems clear that Apple and Google parted ways because the search giant was not willing to provide Apple with turn-by-turn directions for its iOS app - something the Android alternative has had for some time.

At IBTimes UK we have been using iOS 6 maps on an iPhone 5 and iPad since day one, and can confirm that there are many errors, with some UK towns in the wrong place, with the wrong name, and in some areas the satellite images are blurry or black and white

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