Nokia has pulled its HERE Maps app for iOS from the App Store, due to changes in iOS 7. A company spokesperson advised that the latest iteration of the Apple mobile operating system had harmed “the user experience” of the app, promoting the withdrawal from the store, though iOS users will still be able to access Nokia’s maps through a browser.
Speaking to the Indian Express, the spokesperson said “We have made the decision to remove our HERE Maps app from the Apple App Store because recent changes to iOS7 harm the user experience. iPhone users can continue to use the mobile web version of HERE Maps under m.here.com, offering them core location needs, such as search, routing, orientation, transit information and more, all completely free of charge.” The report also claims to have found the app to have bugs and errors on multiple OS devices in testing.
The app launched in November 2012 as an alternative to Apple Maps and Google Maps, with it gaining popularity after Apple Maps suffered a number of issues. Even though Microsoft is attempting to acquire Nokia’s mobile device business and a number of other connected items, HERE Maps will remain under the ownership and control of Nokia itself, with Microsoft signing a ten-year license for the software.
This is unfortunate news. I hope iOS7 does not continue to drive away developers by harming user experience. Doug, do you foresee this happening in the future?