Apple Maps has long been an exclusive service for Apple products, but now all users can access the tech giant’s maps service via browser by accessing this link (or head to beta.maps.apple.com). It’s worth noting that the feature set is very bare bones at current state, so it’s got a long way to go to make itself a legitimate competitor to Google Maps.
“Now, users can get driving and walking directions; find great places and useful information including photos, hours, ratings, and reviews; take actions like ordering food directly from the Maps place card; and browse curated Guides to discover places to eat, shop, and explore in cities around the world,” the company said in the press release.
Apple Maps Beta On The Web
Currently, beta.maps.apple.com only supports a very limited set of features compared to Google Maps – for example, it currently lacks public transport information and street view (Apple calls it Look Around). The company says the features will be added “in the coming months.” That said, website developers can now embed Apple Maps via MapKit JS API on their webpages as needed.
The web version is currently available in English only and compatible with Safari and Chrome on Mac and iPad, as well as Chrome and Edge on Windows PCs. Support for additional languages, browsers, and platforms will be expanded over time, Apple says.
Pokdepinion: I imagine this can attract Apple users, but not much beyond that. Google Maps has been here for more than a decade at this point, and it has much more data to begin with.
