Apple announced on Wednesday that Apple Maps is now available on the web via a public beta, allowing users to access the service directly from their browsers. This launch puts Apple Maps in direct competition with Google Maps, which has long been a web staple.
The web version of Apple Maps is currently accessible in English and works with Safari and Chrome on Mac and iPad, as well as Chrome and Edge on Windows PCs. Apple plans to expand support to additional languages, browsers, and platforms in the future.
Apple Maps on the web offers similar functionality to the mobile app, including driving and walking directions, food ordering from Maps place cards, browsing curated guides and reviews, and more. Apple also plans to introduce additional features, such as its 360-degree panoramic “Look Around” feature, to the web version in the coming months.
Developers can link to Maps on the web, enabling users to get driving directions and see detailed place information.
The launch of the web version comes 12 years after Apple introduced Apple Maps on the iPhone. By expanding to the web, Apple aims to reach more users and compete directly with Google Maps, which has been the dominant web mapping service.
