By Michael Oleaga / m.oleaga@latinospost.com (staff@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Nov 11, 2013 07:24 PM EST

Despite the embarrassing launch of Apple Maps, the navigation app by the Cupertino-based organization has proven to be popular among iOS users.

According to data from comScore and The Guardian, 6 million iOS users have utilized the downloadable Google Maps app. The number of iOS users using Google Maps is small in comparison to the figures for iOS device owners using Apple Maps.

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According to data, 35 million iPhone owners have used the Apple Maps app during September this year. The aforementioned figure only represents U.S. iPhone owners.

The number of iOS device owners using Apple Maps and Google Maps is unconfirmed from Apple and Google directly; therefore, figures by comScore should be taken with caution.

A possible reason for Apple Maps' success is the fact the app is a default app on iOS. Apple had removed Google Maps as a pre-installed app prior to the launch of iOS 6 in 2012. Apple Maps was then introduced.

"It's likely that Apple's success is largely due to the incredible advantage default apps hold on mobile platforms, with the majority of users finding Apple Maps to be 'good enough' and not looking for an alternative," reported MacRumors' Jordan Golson.

comScore noted Google Maps users have fallen from 81.1 million mobile U.S. users in 2012 to 58.7 million this year, and Apple Maps has been considered a culprit for Google Maps' usage drop.

Apple Maps premiered on iOS in September 2012 and was immediately hit with criticism, from incorrect labeling to its bizarre depictions of roads and popular landmarks. The Apple Maps criticism hit fever pitch, leading to Apple CEO Tim Cook to issue a rare apology.

"At Apple, we strive to make world-class products that deliver the best experience possible to our customers," Cook stated. "With the launch of our new Maps last week, we fell short on this commitment. We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers and we are doing everything we can to make Maps better."

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For the latest updates, follow Latinos Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO

Related Apple Maps Articles:

- For a reviews roundup of Apple Apps, click here.

- For a slideshow of Apple Maps' mistakes, click here.

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