Apple chief makes apologies for iPhone Maps app

Apple's chief executive Tim Cook has issued a public apology for omissions and errors in his firm's new Maps app for the iPhone, which replaced Google Maps in iOS6, The Telegraph reported.

Introduced earlier this month to a chorus of criticism and ridicule, Apple Maps often displays shops and restaurants streets away from their true location, important sites including some railway stations are missing, and the search function did not understand many simple requests. Satellite images are less sharp and completely clouded over in places.

"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," said Mr Cook in a letter posted on the Apple website.

"We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers and we are doing everything we can to make Maps better."

He even encouraged frustrated iPhone users, who lost the Google Maps app when they updated to iOS6, to use web-based offerings from rivals until Apple Maps improves.

"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," said Mr Cook.