Apple highlights third-party mapping applications in iOS App Store

The new link appeared on the App Store on Friday, after Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook himself highlighted competing options in an apology to customers. Since the launch of iOS 6 with Apple's all-new mapping solution, users have complained that the software is substandard.

"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," Cook wrote.

In addition to the public apology, the new "Find maps for your iPhone" is the first featured link on the iOS App Store curated by Apple. It offers a list of 13 alternative mapping applications available for download. They are:

• MotionX GPS Drive
• Waze social GPS traffic & gas
• MapQuest
• GPS by Telenav
• Garmin USA
• Gokivo GPS Navigator Navigon USA
• CoPilot Live Premium USA — offline GPS navigation
• CoPilot GPS — Plan & Explore with on-board maps & directions
• Bing
• Magellan RoadMate North America
• AT&T Navigator: GPS navigation subscription fee appears on AT&T bill

Most notably absent from the list is Google Maps, because a dedicated application from the search company is not yet available on the App Store. Google is said to be working on a standalone application, but in the meantime users can still visit the Google Maps website, as Cook suggested, to access the service. The popular Street View functionality is not available, but is expected to launch within the next two weeks.