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Apple’s CEO Tim Cook did something seemingly out of character for the company – he apologized for an ineffective product. With the release of iOS 6 alongside the launch of the iPhone 5, Apple eliminated the Google Maps app – reportedly due to a disagreement about voice controlled turn by turn navigation – and replaced it with their own maps app. The problem is, Apple’s maps are bad. They’re so bad, in fact, that Cook suggested that iPhone users download other maps applications – even suggesting Nokia and Google Maps by name. Apple’s maps are virtually unusable outside of the U.S. or Europe – and suboptimal when it works at all. Cook said the app would improve simply by having iPhone owners use the map and report when locations are incorrect. Not awesome, Tim. Forcing an awful version of vital software on an unsuspecting bunch of fanboys and loyal customers is unacceptable. An apology is one thing, but let’s aim for working maps next time.
About Shelly Palmer
Shelly Palmer is the Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice that helps Fortune 500 companies with AI strategy, implementation and governance, as well as technology, media and marketing. Named one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices in Technology, he is a bestselling author, covers tech and business for Fox 5’s Good Day New York, is a regular commentator on CNN, and writes the popular daily business blog Think About This. Follow @shellypalmer or visit shellypalmer.com.