Apple Maps launches web version in public beta, aiming to rival Google Maps
Apple Maps has launched a web version, accessible through Safari, Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge for now. Currently in public beta, this version lets global users access Apple Maps from their browsers, with Apple planning to expand features over time—including more languages, browsers, and platforms—positioning it as an alternative to Google Maps web dominance.
The web interface of Apple Maps offers driving and walking directions, business information, and curated Guides for discovering places to eat, shop, and explore. Users can perform actions such as ordering food and obtaining detailed business information directly from the Maps place card. The Look Around feature, similar to Google Street View, will be added in the coming months.
Although logging in with an Apple ID to access saved places and custom Guides is not yet available, developers can now link to Apple Maps on the web using MapKit JS, allowing users to get directions and see detailed information about places. To access the public beta, users can visit beta.maps.apple.com, which is currently available in English.
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External links
- Apple Maps on the web launches in betaApple Newsroom • Official source
- Apple Maps launches on the web to challenge Google MapsTechCrunch
- Apple Maps Now Available on the WebMacRumors
- Apple Maps launches on the web in new public beta9to5Mac
Comments
On Windows, it only supports Chrome and Edge (which is also Chrome). No Firefox support, so no thanks. Google Maps or OpenStreetMap serves all needs anyway, and they don't exclude browsers.
that's correct, when I tried to use it with firefox, it wouldnt let me, saying your browser is "incompatiable"
"rival Google Maps" "your browser is not supported" Apple was and always will be trash, they will always lag behind others and never innovate with something new...
firefox is not supported ?
I forced myself to use Apple Maps for about two months in the beginning of 2024. I was disappointed. I really tried to like it because Apple at least makes a half-hearted attempt to be more "privacy-friendly," but it unfortunately caused me to miss my exit or turn four times in that timeframe in very well documented areas. The 4th instance was my last straw. I sincerely tried, but had to go back to Google Maps.
I didn't have the same experience. I use Android phones mostly but also Macs and iPads, and while I didn't use turn by turn, the general experience of Apple Maps was way better. Notably, their satellite view is way more up to date in my area and the meta information was much clearer and less of a crowd sourced nightmare.
OSM is way better than Google Maps when it comes to accuracy, but gmaps has more data on points of interests like restaurants, businesses and other stuff...