Apple Maps gets its own website for certain web browsers
Previously, it was already possible to use Apple Maps in the web browser via detours. Now there is a dedicated website in beta testing.
Apple Maps in beta test on the web: "Closed now" is not quite right, but okay.
(Image: Screenshot Apple.com)
On Wednesday evening, Apple opened up an official way to use its map service Apple Maps via a web browser for the first time - almost twelve years after it was first made available as an app. The service can now be found at beta.maps.apple.com, maps.apple.com still leads to information about Apple's maps. The service also has strict browser guidelines: Only Safari, Chrome or Edge can be used on Mac and iPad, and only Edge or Chrome on Windows PCs. If you use Firefox, you will receive an error message stating that the browser is "currently not supported".
Available everywhere - but not everywhere
Maps was already available on the web in a roundabout way: The search engine DuckDuckGo had integrated Apple Maps into its offering since 2019. Now the service - similar to the more successful Google Maps - is also available directly in the browser. In a statement, Apple announced that the current public beta is available "around the world", although it does specify in the small print that availability "depends on the region". It includes the regular features that you are familiar with from the Maps app - at least in part. This includes navigation by car or on foot. Bicycle navigation and navigation by public transport are currently still missing, even if departure details and means of transport are given at stops.
Also integrated are the so-called guides, which are curated editorial content on places and sights. Finally, there is a function called "Find Nearby", which shows places such as restaurants or stores within the currently displayed map. So-called Maps Place Cards have already been implemented; they provide further information about places such as opening hours and should also make it possible to carry out activities such as ordering food directly from Apple Maps.
Displays still limited and not complete
The map displays are not yet complete: there is only "Standard", "Hybrid" (combination of satellite and standard) and "Satellite". 3D buildings are not shown in the browser, nor is Apple's successful Street View competitor "Look Around". However, the latter has already been announced for the browser. "Additional features (...) will be available in the coming months," says Apple. Developers can continue to use MapKit JS and now link directly to Apple Maps on the web. The public beta is currently only available in English.
(Image: Screenshot Apple.com)
At first glance, the public beta of Apple Maps on the web makes a good impression. However, it is surprising how many features are still missing - just like the fact that the popular Firefox is simply not (yet?) allowed. There are also some "glitches" in operation, such as clicking on locations sometimes not working or the display of departure times suddenly disappearing. Apple has not announced how long the beta phase will last. Only the company knows why it has taken so long to bring maps to the web.
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