- Apple announced the launch of Apple Maps on the web via a public beta, enabling users to access the service directly from their browsers on July 24th.
- This expansion represents a critical step in Apple’s broader efforts to enhance its ecosystem and provide a seamless experience across its devices and services.
OUR TAKE
Apple’s dropping another bombshell with Apple Maps on the web. It’s like they’re saying, ‘Hey Google, we’re coming for you!’ Remember when Siri first battled Alexa for smart home supremacy? This feels like a similar turf war. With cross-browser compatibility and features like ‘Look Around,’ Apple’s clearly gunning for the top spot. But will users switch loyalties, especially with Google Maps so ingrained? Time will tell, but Apple’s definitely shaking things up in the mapping game.
–Miurio huang, BTW reporter
What happened
Apple announced the launch of Apple Maps on the web via a public beta, enabling users to access the service directly from their browsers on July 24. This move places Apple Maps in direct competition with Google Maps, which has long dominated the web-based mapping service market.
The new web version of Apple Maps is currently available in English and can be accessed through Safari and Chrome on Mac and iPad, as well as Chrome and Edge on Windows PCs. Apple has stated that it plans to expand support to additional languages, browsers, and platforms in the future.
Apple Maps on the web offers functionality similar to its mobile app counterpart. Users can obtain driving and walking directions, order food from place cards, and explore curated guides and reviews. Additionally, Apple plans to introduce its 360-degree panoramic “Look Around” feature to the web version in the coming months.
Developers will also benefit from this launch as they can now link to Apple Maps on the web, allowing their users to access driving directions, detailed place information, and more. This integration can enhance user experiences on various websites and applications.
The web version launch comes 12 years after Apple Maps debuted on the iPhone. By expanding its availability, Apple aims to capture a larger share of the mapping service market and directly challenge Google Maps’ long-standing dominance.
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Why it’s important
The introduction of Apple Maps on the web is a significant strategic move by Apple to expand its reach and compete head-to-head with Google Maps, a service that has been the preferred choice for web-based maps for many years. This expansion represents a critical step in Apple’s broader efforts to enhance its ecosystem and provide a seamless experience across its devices and services.
Making Apple Maps available on the web addresses a long-standing limitation of the service. Previously confined to Apple’s own devices, the web version opens up the service to a much wider audience, including Windows PC users and those who prefer non-Apple browsers like Chrome and Edge. This broader accessibility is likely to attract new users who were previously reliant on Google Maps for their web-based navigation needs.
The feature set of Apple Maps on the web is robust and competitive. By offering driving and walking directions, food ordering from place cards, and curated guides and reviews, Apple Maps provides a comprehensive suite of services that can rival Google Maps. The forthcoming addition of the “Look Around” feature will further enhance its appeal, offering users a detailed and immersive mapping experience similar to Google’s Street View.
The ability for developers to link to Apple Maps on the web is another crucial aspect of this launch. This functionality can drive increased traffic to Apple Maps, as websites and applications integrate its mapping capabilities to provide enriched user experiences. For example, e-commerce sites, travel blogs, and real estate platforms can offer users direct access to driving directions and place information, enhancing the overall utility and attractiveness of their services.
Apple’s move into the web-based mapping space is indicative of a broader strategy to build a more interconnected and versatile ecosystem. By offering a consistent and high-quality mapping service across both its own devices and the web, Apple strengthens its ecosystem and encourages user loyalty. This strategy not only attracts new users but also retains existing ones by providing a seamless and integrated experience across different platforms.
The timing of this launch, 12 years after the initial release of Apple Maps on the iPhone, underscores Apple’s commitment to continuous improvement and expansion of its services. It highlights the company’s long-term vision of creating a comprehensive suite of digital services that cater to a wide range of user needs, both on its own devices and beyond.
The launch of Apple Maps on the web is a pivotal development that enhances its competitiveness against Google Maps. By extending its availability and functionality, Apple is poised to attract a broader user base and reinforce its position in the digital mapping market. This move signifies a significant step in Apple’s ongoing efforts to create a more expansive and interconnected ecosystem, ultimately providing users with a more versatile and cohesive digital experience.
