Mapping service: Apple sorry for flaws, recommends rivals

Tim Cook encouraged customers to use alternatives, including Google, as Apple works out its bugs.

NEW YORK: Apple apologised Friday for its glitch-ridden maps application in the new operating system used by the iPhone 5 and urged customers to use rival programmes while improvements are made. “We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers and we are doing everything we can to make Maps better.” Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook said in an open letter. Apple developed its own mapping programme included in its new mobile iOS 6 operating system, and in doing so booted off Google Maps, which had been the default program for Apple devices. But the new Apple program immediately drew scorn for omitting key landmarks and cities, failing to identify correct locations and distorting views from its images. Cook encouraged customers to use alternatives, including Google, as Apple works out its bugs.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 30^th, 2012.