Apple Maps down: iPhone directions not working as people can't get around app

Everything looks normal – but then it does not work

Apple Senior VP of iPhone Software Scott Forstall demonstrates the new map application featured on iOS 6 during the keynote address during the 2012 Apple WWDC keynote address at the Moscone Center on June 11, 2012 in San Francisco, California (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Apple Maps has stopped working, stopping people from getting around.

The maps themselves are actually loading, and the app will look normal initially. But then it becomes clear it can't be used: getting any kinds of directions will bring up an error message.

"Directions not available," the text reads. "Route information is not available at the moment."

Apple Maps is supposed to be able to offer driving, walking and public transport directions, as well as the ability to call a tax to complete your journey. But none of them actually load.

The problems even extend to third-party services: Uber, for instance, can be used from within Maps but won't show either. "Service from Uber is temporarily unavailable," that error message reads.

The issue appears to have been ongoing for hours.