Boy how times have changed.
In a letter posted on Apple's website called "A letter from Tim Cook on Maps," Cook apologized to buyers of the iPhone 5 who have experienced difficulties with the disappointing Apple Map app so far.
"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."
This is a move Apple users are unaccustomed to, as the company ususally chooses to go the unapologetic route with promises of a better tomorrow. In the letter, Cook expressed in the letter how sorry he and the whole Apple team are for the app, and that customers should look for alternative options for the time being.
"We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers and we are doing everything we can to make Maps better." He continues with two paragraphs explaining how Maps has been built from the ground up and says, "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."
Cook advised users in the letter to check out other apps such as Bing, MapQuest, and Google maps when trying to find directions using the iPhone 5. This is not exactly the option Steve Jobs would have chosen when dealing with such a difficult dilemma. Jobs would have stuck to his guns and continued to assure users that Apple Maps would be upgraded shortly and that customers should not lose faith in the company. He would have proceeded to do so, as quickly as possible.
Apple Maps was advertised as the newest and best available map app around and the company even promoted the app in commercials before the iPhone 5 was released. Apple was expecting the app to be a huge success, hoping to provide a cheaper option for drivers compared to purchasing a GPS. Needless to say drivers have been quite disappointed thus far.
Some complaints customers have reported so far include entire buildings and cities not showing up, streets missing, and simply showing straight roads when the roads wave in and out. The app is completely missing public transit stops as well. Users have even posted screen shots online to show how bad the app is.
The phone has sold over 5 million units already, and is available for purchase at an asking price of $200 or more.
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