SaaStr · 2012-11-05
· 4959d
Apple Maps Scandal: The Ship-On-Time vs. Ship-Quality Dilemma
A satirical reconstruction of internal Apple meetings during the iOS 6 Maps launch crisis, illustrating the tension between meeting hard deadlines and delivering quality products. The article explores how even Apple struggled with the fundamental engineering management challenge of balancing on-time shipping commitments against product excellence, culminating in Scott Forstall's departure.
Metrics in this report
Development Timeline Ratio
18:60months
Apple:Google
Maps platform development comparison
Engineering Team Size for Competitive Product
800engineers
Google's team
5-year Google Maps development
Engineering Team Size for Maps Development
100engineers
Apple's team
18-month Maps development effort for iOS 6