This morning Tim Cook released an open letter apologizing for Maps in iOS 6, and suggesting alternatives for users who were unhappy. It appears that Apple is doing more than just saying there are alternatives, they’re also doing something to make those easy to find. The App Store now has a front page section devoted to mapping applications, making it easier to find the alternatives.
Apple has also added text to its website specifically mentioning map webapps in their section about adding websites to your homescreen. This page says:
For fast, easy access to Google and Nokia maps on the web, simply add their sites to the Home screen of your iOS 6 device.
And then gives you a step-by-step walkthrough on how to do it.
It’s really remarkable how broadly Apple appears to be taking this apology, and doing everything they can to ensure that people who are unimpressed with Maps have a viable alternative. From the very classy and heartfelt apology from Tim Cook, down to actually showing off the alternatives, Apple has handled this far better than most would.
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