Apple has rolled out the public beta of Apple Maps on the web. Apple Maps on the web allows users around the world to access the service directly from their browser. Currently, Google Maps allows users to access maps directly from their browser. Apple has said in its blog post that users will be able to access driving, walking, gas stations and all the details related to a location directly from their browser. Apple Maps is currently compatible with Chrome as well as the company’s own Safari browser.

We accessed the Apple Maps beta version using the Chrome browser. The layout is quite similar to Google Maps, with the same blue and red indicators for empty roads and heavy traffic. You also get an option where you can choose routes that do not have tolls. You can also view routes for later dates on Apple Maps.

Apple Maps now on the web: Key features

Users can now access driving and walking directions, search for places, and view detailed information such as photos, hours of operation, ratings, and reviews directly from their browser. This web-based version of Apple Maps aims to provide users with comprehensive navigation tools without opening the dedicated app.
Additionally, users can perform actions such as ordering food directly from Maps place cards, increasing the convenience of using the service. The curated Guides feature helps users find recommended places to eat, shop, and visit in different cities, making it useful for both everyday and travel-related navigation.

Apple has hinted that there are more features to come. One of the most anticipated is Look Around, which provides interactive 3D street-level imagery. Like Google Maps’ Street View, Look Around will be rolled out in the coming months, promising to improve the user experience with more detailed and immersive visuals.

Web-based Apple Maps isn’t just a boon for users—it’s also beneficial for developers. Those using MapKit JS can link their applications to Apple Maps on the web, allowing their users to seamlessly access driving directions and location information. This integration can lead to a more unified user experience across different apps and services.

Currently, Apple Maps on the web supports 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 over time, expanding its reach.

The introduction of Apple Maps on the web offers users an alternative to Google Maps. Despite still being in beta, the service aims to provide a reliable and feature-rich navigation tool directly in the browser. As Apple continues to refine and expand its web-based maps service, it will be interesting to see how this impacts user preferences in the digital mapping space.

At the moment, users can explore the beta version of Apple Maps on the web and take advantage of its features. As the service develops, it could become a strong competitor in the field of web-based navigation.