Analyst: Why is Apple So Quiet About Maps?

Barclays Capital analyst Ben Reitzes has said Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) needs to react to the widespread user dissatisfaction and criticism generated by its new maps app. Apple, which replaced Google’s (NASDAQ:GOOG) maps app with its own home-grown program in iOS 6, has not made a public comment despite the users around the world, tech reviewers, and commentators and bloggers lamenting the several errors in map data and the lack of public transit options.

“Initial reviews of Apple’s Maps app have been fairly negative, especially when compared to the previous Maps app that was driven by Google,” Reitzes wrote in a note to investors on Thursday. “While we feel concerns over the Maps app are overblown, Apple may need to address the situation soon perhaps at another product launch event.”

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The analyst added that maps and the navigation space highlights “one key area in the mobile ecosystem where Google has the clear advantage (beyond just search).” He expressed hope that Apple would eventually improve its software with updates.

Reitzes has an Overweight rating on Apple shares and an $810 price target.

On Thursday, The New York Times technology specialist David Pogue called the new Apple maps app “an appalling first release,” adding that he felt “it may be the most embarrassing, least usable piece of software Apple has ever unleashed.”

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