Apple Maps Web Rolls Out New Feature Akin To Google's Street View 360 Degree, Here's What We Know

The Apple Maps web app, still in public beta, includes features like directions, point-of-interest and business searches, map exploration, and guides.

As per Apple, additional features, languages, and platform support are planned for future updates.

Source : Unsplash/Antonio Groß

Apple Maps is expanding its capabilities with the introduction of a new feature called "Look Around." Similar to Google Street View, Look Around provides users with 360-degree panoramic views of their surroundings, enhancing the map experience and offering a more immersive way to explore locations. While the feature is currently being rolled out to the web version of Apple Maps, it has been available on the iPhone app since iOS 13.

Initially, Apple launched its Maps service online in July as part of a public beta, offering basic features like directions and curated guides.

Apple Maps Look Around Feature: What Do We Know?

According to a report from 9to5Mac, Look Around is currently available in several cities across the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and other regions. A full list of supported locations can be found on Apple’s website, which continues to expand its coverage.

The "Look Around" feature, introduced on December 11, is being progressively rolled out to additional regions. Users can now access it on the Apple Maps web app by selecting the binoculars icon, similar to its functionality on iOS. This enhancement brings the web version closer to the mobile experience, offering a more robust mapping tool for users across various platforms, including Windows PCs.

In comparison, Google Maps and Google Earth have long featured Google Street View, which provides interactive panoramic views of locations worldwide. Launched in 2007 in select US cities, Street View has since expanded to cover urban and rural areas globally, becoming a staple in digital mapping.

The Apple Maps web app, still in public beta, includes features like directions, point-of-interest and business searches, map exploration, and guides. However, it currently lacks some advanced capabilities found on its mobile version, such as 3D buildings, transit maps, and Apple ID sign-in for personalised services. According to Apple, additional features, languages, and platform support are planned for future updates. It is expected that Apple will eventually allow users to log in with their Apple ID to access saved locations and other customized functionalities.