Note: This article was first published on 25 July 2024 and was updated on 12 August 2024 to include the mention of added support for Firefox.
Photo: HWZ
Apple has just announced that Apple Maps is finally coming to the web as a “public beta”.
Despite being launched nearly 12 years ago, Apple Maps has thus far only been available through the Apple Maps app. Now, users can access Apple Maps directly on their devices through their web browsers.
Like the app version, Apple Maps on the web can provide driving and walking directions; let users quickly find reviews, photos, and ratings of places; browse curated guides; and more.
Apple also said that additional features, like Like Around (Apple’s version of Street View), “will be available in the coming months”.
In a press release, Apple also tells developers that those using the MapKit JS can link to Apple Maps on the web to let their users “get driving directions, see detailed place information, and more”.
However, there are certain limitations/requirements that you should know. When it was launched, Apple Maps on the web is only available in English, and it only works with Safari and Chrome on Mac and iPad, and Chrome and Edge on Windows PC. On around 9 August, it added support for Firefox for Macs, iPads, and PCs.
Apple added that “support for additional languages, browsers, and platforms will be expanded over time”.
This move by Apple seemingly indicates that it wants to be a more serious rival to its main competitor – Google Maps. To do that, Apple has been adding features to Apple Maps over the years. In 2021, it added 3D Maps, Look Around, and an improved driving view for drivers. The same year, it also added crowdsourced warnings.
You can check out Apple Maps on the web here.
Source: Apple
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