Apple Maps just made a major move in the online mapping world! On July 24th, they launched a public beta of their web app, finally offering a desktop and mobile browser alternative to their popular iOS app.
This web version allows users to access many familiar features, including getting directions, viewing business ratings and reviews, exploring city guides, and even ordering food directly through Maps. Additional features, like "Look Around," are promised in the coming months.
Currently, the beta is only available in English and compatible with Safari and Chrome on Mac and iPad, as well as Chrome and Edge on Windows PCs. Apple assures us that support for more languages, browsers, and platforms will be coming soon. For developers using Apple's MapKit JS tool, they can now link directly to the web version of Maps.
Since its launch in 2012, Apple Maps has steadily expanded its features, offering users detailed city maps, multi-stop routing, cycling directions, and even offline navigation. This official web launch signifies a significant step forward for Apple Maps, positioning them to directly compete with Google Maps, which has dominated web mapping for years.
Image: Apple
However, the battle for mapping supremacy continues. The Overture Maps Foundation, backed by tech giants Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft, recently released their first public mapping dataset. This allows developers to create their own mapping apps, potentially offering users even more options in the future.
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