Apple CEO Admits Map App Is Lousy

Telecom & Wireless

Published: September 28, 2012 9:29 am

Last Updated: September 28, 2012 9:32 am

In a letter to customers posted at the company’s website, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) CEO Tim Cook admits what most everyone already knows:

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.

Until the release of the iPhone 5 and iOS 6, Apple used the mapping app from Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG). The apparent reason for the change is that Google resisted Apple’s request (demand?) for a voice-guided, turn-by-turn feature. Google already offers this as part of its Android operating system, and Apple wanted it too.

The two giants could not agree on terms. Google, seeing a clear advantage for Android, was not about to give in cheaply. Apple was not about to give up control of anything. Apple’s Maps app was rushed into production and rushed out the door. Cook’s letter is the result.

The full text of the letter is available here.

Paul Ausick

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