Gaspar cited Cook's communique for failing to spell out exactly what Apple was doing to make its Maps app up-to-snuff. "[It should have mentioned] changes they are making internally to their mapping development team and [information about] adding the option of download[ing] the Google Maps application," he said, repeating .

The Maps brouhaha -- some have termed it a debacle or disaster -- will not impact sales of Apple's new iPhone 5, White predicted. "Given the insatiable demand for the iPhone 5, we do not expect the map issue to impact this ramp," he said.

Earlier this week, Apple said it had sold more than in the first three days of availability, a 20% increase over the number of iPhone 4S devices sold during a similar stretch in 2011.

Cook's apology not only made national news, but sparked more than its share of comedic responses.

"Until we get this straightened out, I strongly urge you to stay at home," humorist Andy Borowitz had Cook advising iPhone owners today in his . "This only impacts Apple customers who have someplace to go," Cook said in Borowitz's made-up mockery. "From what we can tell, most of our customers just go back and forth to the Apple Store and that's pretty much it."