September 30, 2012

2 min read

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Apple Backtracks on "Most Powerful" Map App Claim

Apple has deleted the claim that its map app is the "most powerful mapping service ever"

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Apple has deleted the claim that its map app is the "most powerful mapping service ever."

After CEO Tim Cook's rare apology for Apple's beleaguered map application, the company has retreated on claims that the app was the "most powerful mapping service ever."

Apple's Web site had formerly boasted that, "Designed by Apple from the ground up, Maps give you turn-by-turn spoken directions, interactive 3D views, and the stunning Flyover feature. All of which may just make this app the most beautiful, powerful mapping service ever."

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However, after Cook said Friday that Apple was "extremely sorry" for the frustration felt by customers and vowed to improve the program, the company has also removed a superlative from the app description and replaced the last sentence with: "All in a beautiful vector-based interface that scales and zooms with ease."

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CNET has contacted Apple for comment on the change and will update this report when we learn more.

Apple ignited consumer fervor earlier this month when it opted to dump Google Maps from iOS6, forcing users to switch to Apple's app, which many users found to be underwhelming or inaccurate when compared with Google's offering.

In addition to his apology, Cook also took the unusual step of recommending alternatives such as the Bing, MapQuest, or Waze maps apps, or using Google or Nokia's map Web sites while the company works to improve its own app.

Maps woes in Apple iOS 6: How bad? (pictures)

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