Apple Issues Insincere Map App Apology: No Plans to Offer Google Map Equivalent

by Holly Shoemaker

Today, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook issued a letter of apology to customers to address the disappointment and performance of its iOS 6 Apple Maps.

Overview of Apology

Apple apologized for the frustration its map app has caused, and said the company continues to work on improving functionality.

In the letter, Time Cook had no choice but to mention the option of using other apps until Apple addresses all issues – the letter even mentions Google Maps and Nokia Maps. However, Microsoft’s Bing gains the first mention, showing that Apple will not go out of its way to admit its mistake of splitting with Google Maps too soon.

Concluding Thoughts

Apple’s apology does not come across sincere. Instead of sticking to an apology, the company took the time to praise itself on the number of people using iOS 6, and stated that customers have searched for half a billion locations.

The letter should do little to diminish people’s frustrations with the application and its latest operating system. The numbers also do not equate to success when people retrieve incorrect information from the app. Furthermore, a letter of apology does not change the outcome that Apple has no equivalent product to Google Maps, which used to come as the default map app on previous iPhones. On Tuesday, Google confirmed that it had not submitted a map app to the Apple’s Apple Store. 

Apple prematurely severed its ties with Google here – being Apple only gets the company so far. It will have to quickly deliver an updated and tested application to its loyal customers. If not, Android and other products like Nokia Maps will continue to gain more customers.

iPhone 5 Debuts Strong, but Map App a Mess

by Holly Shoemaker

The iPhone 5 debuted strongly today with long lines in many locations. An analyst estimated that demand for the new device was 70 percent greater than when the iPhone 4S debuted. Apple is expected to sell eight million smartphones over the weekend, and the strong showing has once again upped the company’s stock.

Apple Map Issues

Despite the hype and the sentiment from consumers that they just need to have one, all is not well with the device, especially when it comes to maps. The iPhone 5, and the new iOS 6 that became available earlier in the week, now uses Apple Maps. Apple announced at its annual developer’s conference in June that it would drop Goggle Maps as the default map application.

The strategic move to further distance the company from Google has users concerned and mocking the company on this humorous website. Here people may view some of the map errors that have appeared from using Apple's new application. The errors show incorrect directions, multiple state capitols and faulty search results.

Concluding Thoughts

Apple prematurely dropped Google Maps, an application that worked well. Just because Apple can do something does not mean it should, and without more testing. While the company has asked for patience, some of its errors are dangerous. Apple listed a working farm in Dublin, Ireland as a residential airport. In this case, the pictures speak for themselves, and the point goes to Google. Map enthusiasts may also check out Nokia Maps. Nokia escalated the map app war when it announced in August that it would partner with Groupon.

Apple Drops YouTube App: Google’s Search Engine Next?

by Holly Shoemaker

Earlier this week, Apple announced that when it releases iOS 6, its latest operating system, the company will no longer offer Google’s YouTube app as a pre-installed one on iPhones and iPads. At is developer’s conference earlier this year, Apple announced that it would also drop Google Maps from the new iPhone.

Licensing Issue?

Apple said that its license with YouTube ended, but that consumers may still use YouTube via the Safari browser. At this time, Apple has not said if it will replace YouTube with another app.

Concluding Thoughts

It is no surprise that Apple continues to drop apps associated with Google. As the race to win the smartphone market continues to heat up, so will the app war. Analysts expect that Google needs to worry about a larger matter – that Apple will drop Google as the default search engine on the iPhone. While that is unknown until the contract expires, Apple should think of how that move could affect its customers. Google is still the largest, and in my opinion, most effective search engine. Sorry Bing – I do not think Google’s potential loss will become Microsoft’s gain.

Let the Map App Wars Begin

by Holly Shoemaker

Apple made it official this week at is annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) that it will no longer rely on Google Maps as its default map application. At the conference, Apple unveilved its own Apple Maps. In addition, many people have said that Apple shunned Google in favor of Facebook. Apple also announced that users will soon have the ability to sign into Facebook from their iPhones.

Overview of Apple Maps

When the iOS 6 deploys this fall, users will have the ability to gather traffic information from other iOS users and turn-by-turn navigation will also be integrated into the operating system. The app also takes advantage of Siri. Apple's voice-activation assistant will provide spoken turn-by-turn directions. TomTom also announced that it will provide Apple with "maps and related information." The app will also have a flyover feature that provides 3D-drawings for all major cities. Users should be aware that the iOS 6 is only available on the following devices: iPad 2, the new iPad, the fourth-generation iPod Touch, iPhone 3 GS, iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S.

Let the Map Wars Begin

While Google Maps will no longer be the default map app for Apple, users may still use Google Maps on their iPhones. Although, I concede that Google Maps lacks functionality for iPhone users when compared to Android ones. Therefore, it is not a complete "break up" if iPhone users still want to use Google Maps.

Despite the somewhat blow to Google, its product will remain beloved by many. In February 2012, comScore reported that 71 percent of people in the United States who looked at a map that month, did so using Google Maps. While Apple has a loyal following, Apple Maps has a lot to live up to. Users should also keep in mind that Google announced its own changes, prior to Apple's announcement. Soon, Google Map users will have the ability to use that app without an Internet connection and the company announced its own 3-D enhancements. Let the map wars begin!