[h=3]By DREW FITZGERALD[/h]Apple Inc. Chief Executive Tim Cook offered customers a rare apology Friday for the quality of the company's latest mapping application, acknowledging the fierce criticism the software has generated among users.
The comment contained in a letter posted on Apple's website comes a week after the company started selling its newest iPhone equipped with the app, replacing Google Inc.'s app, which had come standard with previous handsets. Apple's newest mobile operating system doesn't support Google Maps.
IPhone users have panned the newest version of Apple Maps online, mocking the software for misplaced location markers and bizarre satellite images.
"At Apple, we strive to make world-class products that deliver the best experience possible to our customers," Mr. Cook said. "With the launch of our new Maps last week, we fell short on this commitment."
Mr. Cook added the company is "extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers" and is working to improve the app.
"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," Mr. Cook said.
The chief executive also took the rare step of suggesting users try competing software if they are dissatisfied, pointing to apps from Microsoft Corp.'s Bing, MapQuest and Waze. Customers can also use maps from Google or Nokia Corp. through the Web, he said.
Write to Drew FitzGerald at [email protected]
The comment contained in a letter posted on Apple's website comes a week after the company started selling its newest iPhone equipped with the app, replacing Google Inc.'s app, which had come standard with previous handsets. Apple's newest mobile operating system doesn't support Google Maps.
IPhone users have panned the newest version of Apple Maps online, mocking the software for misplaced location markers and bizarre satellite images.
"At Apple, we strive to make world-class products that deliver the best experience possible to our customers," Mr. Cook said. "With the launch of our new Maps last week, we fell short on this commitment."
Mr. Cook added the company is "extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers" and is working to improve the app.
"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," Mr. Cook said.
The chief executive also took the rare step of suggesting users try competing software if they are dissatisfied, pointing to apps from Microsoft Corp.'s Bing, MapQuest and Waze. Customers can also use maps from Google or Nokia Corp. through the Web, he said.
Write to Drew FitzGerald at [email protected]