Under fire from complaints about the revamped Maps app the company released with iOS 6 last week, Apple CEO Tim Cook has posted a public apology -- and even recommends competing products "while we're improving Maps."

Apple has posted a public apology from CEO Tim Cook on the new iOS 6 Maps app, which has been the subject of user scorn since the new version debuted more than a week ago.

"At Apple, we strive to make world-class products that deliver the best experience possible to our customers," Cook writes. "With the launch of our new Maps last week, we fell short on this commitment. We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers and we are doing everything we can to make Maps better."

Cook also confirmed earlier reports from Apple PR that Maps will only improve over time thanks to the input of iOS 6 users.

"There are already more than 100 million iOS devices using the new Apple Maps, with more and more joining us every day," Cook adds. "In just over a week, iOS users with the new Maps have already searched for nearly half a billion locations. The more our customers use our Maps the better it will get and we greatly appreciate all of the feedback we have received from you."

So what can an iOS 6 user do in the meantime? Turn to the competition, says Cook.

"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," the CEO concludes.

While iOS 6 Maps may be a bummer for many users, it's encouraging to see Apple acknowledge the issue while promising "we will keep working non-stop until Maps lives up to the same incredibly high standard" users expect from the company.

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