Apple: Use someone else's stuff please.
Posted: Fri Sep 28, 2012 9:15 pm
Apple's chief executive has penned an apology following a barrage of criticism caused by its switch to a new maps system.
Tim Cook acknowledged that users had been frustrated by the move and repeated a pledge to improve the software.
In the meantime he suggested users download an alternative product from one of its rivals.
A link to the letter appears on the firm's home page.
Although the company has issued several apologies over recent months, this one is unusual for its prominence and the fact it was written by Mr Cook himself.
Other examples since July include a letter from the firm's former head of hardware engineering saying that ditching a green ratings scheme had been "a mistake"; a statement acknowledging that changes to its retail stores had been made in error; and emails to iCloud users apologising for an interruption to their email service.
"At Apple, we strive to make world-class products that deliver the best experience possible to our customer," Mr Cook wrote in the latest case.
"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."
Apple screenshot Apple's apology features prominently on its homepage
He noted that more than 100 million mobile device users had upgraded to the new iOS software, replacing a Google-powered maps app with Apple's own software which relies on licensed navigation data.
"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 added.