A GLITCH in the iPhone’s new software update has led to several East Lancashire towns being wiped from the map.

Inaccuracies and misplaced towns in Apple's new map software have led to confusion for many users.

Anyone searching for Blackburn is shown Hyndburn on the map and when they zoom into the area, the pin is showing in Langho.

Other missing towns also include Nelson, Rawtenstall and Colne.

However, smaller geographical areas of East Lancashire including Church, near Accrington and Newchurch near Rawtenstall, Haslingden and Holcombe have pride of place.

Prof Steve Furber, from the University of Manchester, helped Apple create their processors. He said: “Up until the latest management system update, Apple has always used Google maps. By Apple introducing their own mapping software they are able to introduce new never seen before features such as 3D mapping and the ability to fly over certain areas.

“Obviously this new system is intended to be used as another marketing advantage for iPhone and iPad products.

“Apple recognises it has made some glitches with the new software and to be honest I don’t think it is a massive job to fix.

“The problems is with the data they have collected in their iCloud system rather than in the software downloaded on the handset.

“Apple will be relying on users to report wrong or missing data so they can iron out the problem.”

Apple created its new mapping system with help from navigation product creator TomTom and others.

TomTom said it provided only data and was not responsible for how it worked.