Apple CEO Tim Cook issued the following statement:
"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."
Read Tim Cook's full statement
Apple's new maps app replaced the popular Google Maps in Apple's new operating system, iOS 6. That system is installed on the new iPhone 5. Since its release, users quickly complained that the new software offered fewer details, lacked public transit directions and misplaced landmarks, among other problems.
Until the software is improved, Cook recommended that people use competing map apps. This is a rare move for the world's most valuable company, which prides itself on producing industry-leading gadgets that easily surpass rivals.
Cook said Apple's maps will get better as more people use the app and provide feedback. The same goes for all digital maps. Google's system wasn't perfect when it launched, but it got better over the years as users pointed out mistakes and helped the company collect data.
