Nokia Yanks HERE Maps from Apple's App Store, Cites iOS 7 Issues
Apple iPhone and iPad users can no longer download Nokia's HERE mapping application from the App Store. The Finnish phone maker voluntarily removed the app because of compatibility issues with the iOS 7 update that could ultimately "harm the user experience." Nokia said it's not blaming Apple or iOS 7, but this is a case where the app simply wasn't optimized for the updated mobile OS, so the decision was made to remove it.
Nokia launched HERE on iOS back in November of last year. It was around the same time Apple was taking heat for its decision to remove Google Maps as the default mapping application in iOS. HERE might have become a fan favorite after Google Maps left (temporarily) the App Store, except that it was buggy from the get-go, sometimes serving up inaccurate location results.
The timing of Nokia's decision to pull HERE from the App Store is interesting, as Microsoft is in the process or acquiring Nokia's mobile business for $7.2 billion. Barring any roadblocks, the deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2014. Meanwhile, the HERE app is still available on Android and Windows devices.
If you're an iPhone user who's grown accustomed to HERE, you can continue to use the mobile web version at m.here.com.
Nokia launched HERE on iOS back in November of last year. It was around the same time Apple was taking heat for its decision to remove Google Maps as the default mapping application in iOS. HERE might have become a fan favorite after Google Maps left (temporarily) the App Store, except that it was buggy from the get-go, sometimes serving up inaccurate location results.
The timing of Nokia's decision to pull HERE from the App Store is interesting, as Microsoft is in the process or acquiring Nokia's mobile business for $7.2 billion. Barring any roadblocks, the deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2014. Meanwhile, the HERE app is still available on Android and Windows devices.
If you're an iPhone user who's grown accustomed to HERE, you can continue to use the mobile web version at m.here.com.
