While the masses were clamoring for the iPhone 5, many of those hungry consumers were a bit wary about the fact that Apple had ditched the default Google Maps function in favor of its own map application. And now that customers are complaining that the iOS6’s maps are full of bugs and bad directions, Apple CEO Tim Cook is offering his apologies, as well as alternate suggestions.

Those suggestions lobbed up by Cook just happen to be the very rivals Apple was trying to best with its own design — Google Maps, Mapquest and Bing (Bing has maps? Who knew!), Reuters notes.

Cook apologized today to customers angry about the bug-ridden Maps service, which launched earlier this month. Some of the complaints include geographical errors and missing information, as well as a lack of features many customers love in Google Maps like public transit directions.

“We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers and we are doing everything we can to make Maps better,” Cook said in a letter to customers today, adding that Apple “fell short” of its commitment to deliver “the best experience possible to our customers.”

That’s when he pointed out some other (better?) options:

“While we’re improving Maps, you can try alternatives by downloading map apps from the App Store like Bing, MapQuest and Waze, or use Google or Nokia maps by going to their websites and creating an icon on your home screen to their web app,” he wrote.

You know a company has royally messed up when it starts sending customers into the arms of the enemy.

Meanwhile, Google’s Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt said there wasn’t a new Google Maps app yet for Apple, but did add tat the two companies talk “every day.” Aww, just two ginormous tech companies chatting away like a couple of old pals. How cozy!

A letter from Tim Cook on Maps [Apple.com]
Apple’s Cook sorry for Maps errors, suggests rivals [Reuters]

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