Learning from the mistakes with Apple Maps debacle, Apple decided to introduce public beta for iOS and macOS.
Apple is well known for secrecy and keeping its products under the wraps, but it has its own set of downsides – especially with the debacle of Apple Maps in 2012. Since then, things have changed a lot. In an interview with Fast Company, Apple’s senior VP Eddy Cue revealed that Apple Maps debacle is the reason for starting the public beta testing program for new iOS releases.
Debuted as a part of iOS 6 in 2012, Apple Maps was launched as a replacement for Google Maps. Apple tested the Maps internally in Cupertino, but not beyond its Infinite Loop campus, which turned out to be a big mistake. In just a few days after launch, it became clear that Apple Maps was filled with inaccurate information, making it unusable.
Typing an address, Apple Maps would look for a city, wouldn’t offer details about nearby point of interest. Also, while Flyover was one of the key features, details offered by the app turned out to be inaccurate. Not to mention, it was also filled with its share of bugs. Apple Maps were poorly received, which also led to departure of executive Scott Forstall, followed by public apologies from CEO Tim Cook.
“We made significant changes to all of our development processes because of it. To all of us living in Cupertino, the maps for here were pretty darn good. Right? So the problem wasn’t obvious to us. We were never able to take it out to a large number of users to get that feedback. Now we do,” Eddy Cue said in an interview. “The reason you as a customer are going to be able to test iOS is because of Maps,” Cue added.
After realizing the mistake, Apple announced the iOS public beta program, ahead of the iOS 9 launch last year. The same public beta program has also continued with the iOS 10, which is due to launch sometime next month along with the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Apple has also simplified the process to sign up for beta program and download preview builds. It allows you to install and test the iOS or macOS in advance, and report feedback to Apple.
Going forward, Apple also has big plans for Maps, and even bigger role for artificial intelligence. The company recently announced a new development center in India having more than 4,000 people working on Maps data. However, Cue didn’t reveal what exactly is in store for customers, and that will only be known once Apple officially announces it.
Source: bgr.in
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