Ever since the introduction of Apple's new iOS 6, in conjuction with its iPhone 5 launch, the company has faced severe criticism by users for its underdeveloped Maps application, among other things.
Apple took the lash back so seriously that the company CEO, Tim Cook, went so far as to go out with a statement on the company's website, apologizing for map app's malfunctioning and the missed customer expectations.
Switch Back to Google Maps on the iPhone 5 and iOS 6 Devices
In the apology, Cook however failed to mention the competition, Google Maps, which was Apple's favored map application ever since they released the first iPhone back in 2007. Instead, the company's chief executive pointed to other ways to experience better navigation until Apple got their application better developed. In essence, it was a confession that Apple Maps was indeed underdeveloped from the start.
One of the missing features that still have angry and disappointed customers posting comments on websites and messaging boards, almost one month after the iOS 6 release, is the absence of public transportation information.
It is not only environmentalists who bash the lack of public transportation, but regular commuters as well, ranging from customers in small towns to big cities like Chicago, New York and Philadelphia, where many people prefer to use transit modes like subway or buses over cars.
The issue has caused users to develop their own add-ons and plugins, e.g. "shortcut-apps" pointing to Google Maps' web application or public transportation authorities schedules among others.
Google was completely unaware of Apple's decision to not include the company's application on iOS 6, not receiving notice in time to create a new version for the iOS 6. Google has however stated that they are currently developing a new application for the iOS, that will provide Google Maps to iPhone 5 users as well, and that they will make the application available on Apple's iTunes App Store as soon as it is finalized.
