
Tim Cook Calls Apple Maps Launch His First Big Mistake
Tim Cook described the 2012 Apple Maps launch as his “first big mistake,” saying the product wasn’t ready and that testing largely in Cupertino led to widespread, sometimes dangerous, misdirections; Apple subsequently fired Maps chief Richard Williamson and, controversially, Scott Forstall for not co-signing an apology. Apple Maps has since improved and even runs ads, though it’s still not perfect. Cook highlighted the Apple Watch as a major success and acknowledged other failures, including the canceled Apple Car and the AirPower mat, noting these remarks at an April 22, 2026 town hall ahead of his leadership handover to John Ternus.











