When Apple rolled out iOS 6 for devices like the iPhone 5 and the new iPad, it replaced Google Maps with its own mapping service the Maps app. Unfortunately, the new app was riddled with bugs, not showing landmarks where they were supposed to be or completely misnaming places. Apple has reportedly given the Maps app manager, Richard Williamson, the axe.
According to Bloomberg’s sources who would like to remain anonymous, Apple firing Williamson follows the firing of iOS head honcho, Scott Forstall. Design head Sir Jony Ive replaced Forstall, which means the designer is now head of both hardware and software.
Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services, Eddy Cue, is said to have been responsible for firing Williamson. Cue has reportedly hired third-party map experts to help get the Maps app back on track.
TomTom is the company behind the messy maps found on the Apple Maps app. Apple is reportedly pressuring TomTom to work harder in fixing navigation data and broken landmarks.
Due to the Maps app mess, Apple CEO, Tim Cook, was forced to apologise to Apple’s customers on its website. Cook said, “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. We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers and we are doing everything we can to make Maps better.”
In an utterly uncharacteristic move by Apple, Cook recommends rival mapping services to its customers. He said, “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.”
Do you think the Apple Maps app will ever be as good as Google Maps, or do you think there’s no more hope for Apple’s new mapping service? Share your thoughts through a comment on our Facebook page.
