Report: Apple fires Maps manager

• Apple has axed the manager of its highly criticized Maps application
• People had expressed outrage across Twitter and Facebook about missing landmarks, streets, and incomplete directions
• Apple is still said to be trying to fix the mapping data to improve its software

SAN FRANCISCO — Apple has axed the manager of its highly criticized Maps application, according to reports.

Richard Williamson was shown the door by Eddy Cue, a senior vice president at Apple, according to Bloomberg.

Apple's Maps kerfuffle began immediately after the company launched the new app in its latest mobile operating system version, iOS 6.

People had expressed outrage across Twitter and Facebook about missing landmarks, streets, and incomplete directions. A lack of public transit information had many calling for people to avoid updating their software.

Apple's ill-fated move to displace Google Maps as the provider of its mapping technology is part of a growing rivalry between the technology giants for Internet services.

The software debut was also a glaring black eye for the launch of Apple's iPhone 5, which went on to sell more than 5 million units over its first weekend available.

Apple CEO Tim Cook in September issued a rare public apology for the software disaster. "We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers and we are doing everything we can to make Maps better," he said in a letter.

The CEO pointed to alternative maps software applications from the likes of Bing, MapQuest, Waze, Google and Nokia.

Apple is said to be seeking outside help from mapping-technology firms and urging maps provider Tom Tom to fix data that Apple uses for landmarks and navigation, according to the report from Bloomberg.

The firing of Williamson comes on the heels of last month's ouster of mobile operating system chief Scott Forstall. The executive in charge of iOS served as a long-time lieutenant under Apple co-founder Steve Jobs and was seen as a likely successor.

Apple spokeswoman Trudy Muller declined to comment.