Apple has launched a public beta version of its Maps service for web browsers, marking a significant expansion of the platform's availability, in a bid to take on Google Maps. This move will allow its users to access Apple Maps directly through their web browsers, without the need for dedicated apps or devices.


Apple Maps On Web Supported Languages


The web-based version of Apple Maps is currently available in English and supports several major browsers across different operating systems (OS). Mac and iPad users can access it through Safari and Chrome, while Windows PC users can use Chrome and Edge browsers. Apple has indicated plans to broaden support for additional languages, browsers, and platforms in the future.


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"Today, Apple Maps on the web is available in public beta, allowing users around the world to access Maps directly from their browser. Now, users can get driving and walking directions; find great places and useful information including photos, hours, ratings, and reviews; take actions like ordering food directly from the Maps place card; and browse curated Guides to discover places to eat, shop, and explore in cities around the world. Additional features, including Look Around, will be available in the coming months," Apple announced in a blog post.


Apple Looking To Capture The Online Mapping Market


This development positions Apple Maps as a direct competitor to Google Maps in the web-based mapping service arena, a space where Google has long been a dominant player. By bringing its mapping service to the web, Apple is aiming to expand its user base and provide a more versatile option for those seeking navigation and location services online.


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Apple has highlighted a new feature for developers, enabling them to incorporate links to the web version of Apple Maps in their applications. This integration allows users to access various functions directly from external sites, including route planning, comprehensive location details, and additional mapping services.


This web-based expansion of Apple Maps comes more than a decade after its initial debut on the iPhone in 2012. The move suggests a strategic effort by Apple to broaden its user base and strengthen its position in the digital mapping landscape. By making Apple Maps accessible through web browsers, the company is directly challenging the long-standing dominance of Google Maps in the online mapping sector.