Key Takeaways
- Apple has launched its Maps service on the web in the form of a beta release.
- Apple Maps has had a checkered past, but over time it has become a capable alternative to Google Maps.
- The beta web version is currently missing some features, but is easily accessible if you’re using a supported web browser and operating system.
Out of nowhere, Apple announced that it would be launching a dedicated Maps service on the web, albeit in beta. The basic experience is the same as what iOS and macOS users have been accustomed to for years, although some features, such as favorites syncing, are not yet implemented.
Related
Apple Maps Tips and Tricks: 14 cool ways to get the most out of Maps
Here are 14 tips and tricks to help you get the most out of Apple Maps.
“Maps on the web is currently available in English and is compatible with Safari and Chrome on Mac and iPad, and Chrome and Edge on Windows PC. Support for additional languages, browsers, and platforms will be expanded over time,” Apple said in a blog post.
If you don’t have any issues using Apple Maps in English and you’re not an avid Firefox or Opera user, you can head over to Apple’s official beta website and access the service yourself.
Unfortunately, the new web-based service doesn’t seem to work well across all browsers and operating system configurations yet: I was able to run the link using Microsoft Edge on macOS, but on Android devices I was simply greeted with a splash screen saying “Your current browser is not supported.”
Thankfully, Apple provides a quick access link to their support website, outlining the current up-to-date status of supported systems.
Related
Apple Maps’ iOS 18 upgrade goes beyond hiking
While Apple was primarily focused on the new hiking feature in Apple Maps, it actually extends to all walking trips.
Apple Maps has come a long way over the years
This app might not be as bad as you remember
Pocket-lint/Apple
Apple Maps was released alongside iOS 6 in 2012. Early versions were plagued by frequent glitches and inaccuracies, eventually leading to a rare direct apology from Apple.
Since then, Apple has built its Google Maps rival into a competent alternative, and the two services regularly engage in fierce battles on both use cases and accuracy.
It’s unclear at this time what the driving force behind today’s announcement of a more openly available, cross-platform Apple Maps is — it could well be the result of growing pressure and backlash against the company’s walled garden approach, but it could also simply be an attempt to entice more users to switch away from Google.
Apple Maps via the web is a beta by its very nature, and it shows. As mentioned above, it’s currently missing some of the features that are included in the dedicated app. With enough time, especially with iOS 18 bringing even more great features to the service this fall, we’re hopeful that Maps will reach feature parity across platforms.
Related
We tested Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze to find out which navigation app is best
With three apps sharing the top spot for navigation, it’s natural to wonder which app will come out on top to get you from point A to point B.
