Apple responds to mounting complaints about iOS 6 Maps app

One of the new features in iOS 6 is not generating the usual level of praise that meets major iOS updates. In fact, Apple’s Maps application is turning into an embarrassment for the company as users report a litany of issues with the new app. As an example, here is Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson Airport:

Toronto Airport in iOS 6 Maps
Click for a larger version

While users may have forgiven that some features are unavailable (such as transit-based directions) in this first version, it’s quite another matter when major landmarks go missing, search results are widely inaccurate, and fly-over maps present abstract interpretations. Even more unfortunate is that Apple replaced Google Maps with its new app.

Apple spokeswoman Trudy Muller today provided the following statement to AllThingsD:

“Customers around the world are upgrading to iOS 6 with over 200 new features including Apple Maps, our first map service. We are excited to offer this service with innovative new features like Flyover and Siri integration, and free turn by turn navigation. We launched this new map service knowing that it is a major initiative and we are just getting started with it. We are continuously improving it, and as Maps is a cloud-based solution, the more people use it, the better it will get. We’re also working with developers to integrate some of the amazing transit apps in the App Store into iOS Maps. We appreciate all of the customer feedback and are working hard to make the customer experience even better.”

Apple probably should have stuck a ‘beta’ label on its app for now or simply kept it away from customers’ iPhones until it’s ready. Instead, it is now left with a public relations mess.

While Apple is “working hard” to improve its Maps app, have a look at some of its more humorous errors at The Amazing iOS 6 Maps.

Read more: AllThingsD