Apple has just announced that its maps are now available on the web via a public beta, meaning that it is now possible to access the service directly from any browser. The launch puts Apple Maps in direct competition with Google Maps, which has long been available on the web.
Maps is available on the web in English and is supported in Safari and Chrome on Mac and iPad, as well as Chrome and Edge on Windows PCs. While it is currently only available in English, Apple says it will soon be available in other languages and on additional browsers and platforms.
Apple Maps on the web works just like the mobile app. It lets you get driving and walking directions; order food from your card; browse curated guides and reviews; and more. But the goal is to add additional features, such as a “Look Around” option for 360-degree panoramic views. degrees, to the versioneithern web in the preitherximos months.
Developers, the release adds, can link to Maps on the web, allowing their users to get driving directions, see detailed information about the location and more. What is not yet available for many countries is the Guide option, which allows users to receive suggestions for events, entertainment or restaurants in the selected area. For now, for Europe, it is only available for London and Paris. But more cities will surely be added soon.
The launch of the web version of Apple Maps comes 12 years after Apple launched the service on the iPhone. And now it will be even easier to compare both services, something that has been done for some time, but only on mobile devices.