Apple has officially launched Apple Maps on the web in a public beta, marking a bold step to challenge the dominance of Google Maps. This move allows users to access Apple Maps directly from their browsers, enhancing its accessibility and usability.
Currently, Apple Maps on the web supports driving and walking directions, business information with photos and reviews, and actions like ordering food directly from the Maps place card. Users can also browse curated Guides for exploring cities. The service is compatible with Safari and Chrome on Mac and iPad, and Chrome and Edge on Windows PCs. Although presently available only in English, Apple plans to expand support for additional languages and browsers in the future.
Since its debut on iOS in 2012, Apple Maps has continuously evolved, adding features like detailed city maps, multi-stop routing, cycling directions, EV routing, and offline navigation. The introduction of the web version is a major milestone, aimed at bringing the service closer to feature parity with Google Maps. This move enhances its functionality and could potentially shift user preferences towards Apple Maps.
A standout feature is the “Look Around” capability, which offers interactive, 360-degree views of select locations, similar to Google Street View. This feature, along with the seamless integration of driving and walking directions, makes Apple Maps on the web a compelling alternative for desktop users.
Additionally, all developers, including those using MapKit JS, can link out to Maps on the web, enabling their users to get driving directions, see detailed place information, and more. This expands the utility of Apple Maps, making it a versatile tool for various applications.
In summary, Apple Maps’ web launch is a significant step in its expansion, providing users with enhanced functionality and accessibility. As Apple continues to roll out additional features and broader support, it positions itself as a formidable competitor in the web mapping service market, offering users a fresh alternative to Google Maps.
