I did, but my point still stands. 500 is in the expected result set. Put up an error that says Apple's server is down.
If you need a feature to work in the presence of down servers, you need to make your own fallback or perhaps cache some of the results locally.
Or implement a second provider to fall back on.
What are the chances Apple allows an app using a competing service into the app store?
100%. They don't make any money off of you using their geolocation. They provide it as a service to encourage development of iOS apps, not as a money maker.