Apple CEO Tim Cook Apologizes For Apple Maps Debacle

(Newsroom America) -- Apple's CEO Tim Cook has made a rare personal apology for the debacle surrounding Apple Maps and has encouraged customers to consider alternative services such as Google Maps and Bing.

In a message to customers on the Apple web site, Mr Cook said Apple strives to make world-class products that deliver the best experience possible to its 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," he said.

Apple launched Maps initially with the first version of iOS and as time progressed, it wanted to provide 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, it had to create a new version of Maps from the ground up.

Mr Cook said more than 100 million iOS devices are 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," he said.

One of the reasons Apple introduced its own maps service was to reduce it dependence on Google Maps.

New York Times' tech columnist David Pogue wrote it was an appalling first release. "It may be the most embarrassing, least usable piece of software Apple has ever unleashed," he said.

Mistakes in Apple Maps included towns, airports, and buildings being located in the wrong place, with bodies of water missing and strange 3D graphical interpretations of landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower which appeared flattened.