Reason Apple Exec Got Fired: No Maps Apology

Now we know why Apple canned iOS guru Scott Forstall: He refused to sign a letter apologizing for iOS 6's much-maligned map app, sources tell the Wall Street Journal—a letter that CEO Tim Cook wound up signing himself. Forstall was close with Steve Jobs, and indeed was once considered a potential successor, but he had a contentious relationship with other Apple executives. Forstall had recently been heard complaining that Apple had no "decider" without Jobs.

Chief designer Jonathan Ive reportedly refused to sit in on meetings with Forstall unless Cook was there to referee, according to ComputerWorld. Ive, interestingly enough, will be taking over Forstall's responsibilities—which, Harry McCracken at Time writes, could make him "the most important person at Apple." Yesterday's other departure, retail chief John Browett, was asked to leave as well, sources say, though in his case it was simply because he hadn't fit in at the company, and had botched the implementation of a new staffing formula. (More Scott Forstall stories.)