Apple Maps launches for the web in beta

Apple Maps has finally arrived on the web, expanding its reach beyond iOS devices. Launched in beta on Wednesday afternoon, the service now offers driving and walking directions, as well as reviews and ratings, directly in desktop and mobile browsers.

This new functionality can be accessed via beta.maps.apple.com, allowing users to take advantage of most of the features available in the iOS version of the app.

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Apple Maps for the web features and limitations

With the new web version, users can explore travel guides, order food directly from Maps, explore cities and get information about businesses. Apple promises to launch even more features in the coming months, including the “Look Around” feature, which offers an interactive and detailed view of streets.

Currently, the web version of Apple Maps is only available in English and is compatible with Safari and Chrome browsers on Mac and iPad devices, as well as Chrome and Edge on Windows PCs. However, Apple has announced plans to expand support to other languages, browsers, and platforms in the future.

Additionally, developers using Apple’s MapKit JS tool will be able to create direct links to Apple Maps on the web, further expanding their integration possibilities.

Service evolution and competition

Since its launch on the iPhone in 2012, Apple Maps has received significant updates. The company has worked hard to add new features, such as detailed city maps, multi-stop routes, directions for cyclists, routing for electric vehicles, and offline navigation.

This new web version represents a big step in the evolution of the service, positioning it as an even stronger competitor in the digital maps market.

Previously, Apple Maps’ presence on the web depended on developers using the API to create custom versions, such as the one that existed on DuckDuckGo. Now, with the official availability of Apple Maps on the web, the service becomes a more robust and competitive alternative to Google Maps, which has been present in browsers for years and is the leader in the segment.

In addition to direct competition with Google Maps, other initiatives are also emerging in the digital mapping market. Recently, the Overture Maps Foundation, backed by giants such as Amazon, Meta and Microsoft, released its first mapping dataset. This initiative makes map information available for free to developers, offering an open-source alternative that could challenge both Google Maps and Apple Maps.

With this expansion to the web, Apple Maps not only expands its audience, but also strengthens its position in the competitive digital maps market, opening up new possibilities for developers and users around the world.