Apple apologizes for troubled new map app

You don’t often hear a CEO encouraging customers to use a competitor’s product, but that’s exactly what Apple’s Tim Cook did on Friday.

Apple’s own map app that came with the new iO6 and the iPhone 5 has been causing problems for its users.

There has been a flood of user complaints about Apple maps having fewer details, no public transit specifics, misplaced landmarks, and warped visuals, including what appears to be a melting Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

“We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers and we are doing everything we can to make Maps better,” Cook in a letter on the Apple website.

Cook and his crew had high hopes for the new app with features such as turn-by-turn directions, voice integration, Flyover and vector-based maps.

So in the meanwhile, Cook recommends using Bing, MapQuest and Waze or simply bookmarking Google or Nokia maps to your home screen.

KIRO Radio’s Dan Restione contributed to this report.