Apple Maps Launches on the Web in Beta As Competition With Google Heats Up

Apple on Wednesday launched its Maps service on the web as part of a public beta, meaning you can now access it on a browser — no iPhone, iPad or Mac necessary. It’s the latest example of Apple expanding Maps and emulating the success of competitor Google Maps, which debuted on desktop back in 2005.

Apple Maps had only been usable on the company’s devices with the advantage of greater integration within the Apple ecosystem: for instance, unlike the Google Maps app, Apple Maps sends turn-by-turn directions to Apple Watches. But moving to the web shows confidence in its location and direction services beyond Apple device owners.

The iPhone maker shared the Apple Maps update in a statement, noting: “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.”

Apple Maps launched in 2012, to initially lukewarm reception regarding accuracy and user experience. Since then, the company has significantly improved Maps’ efficacy and appearance, and added plenty of new capabilities to improve its standing. It’s also incorporated some popular features resembling what you’ll find on Google Maps. For instance, Flyover offers a 3D look at major landmarks, similar to (though not as comprehensive as) Google’s Immersive View. Apple also added long-awaited support for offline maps with iOS 17.

Maps on the web is available in English, and is compatible with Safari and Chrome on Mac and iPad, in addition to Chrome and Edge on Windows PCs. Apple says it’ll add support for more languages, browsers and platforms in the future.

Ahead of the Summer Olympics in Paris, which takes place from July 26 to Aug. 11, Apple also rolled out various updates to Maps, including more detail across everything from road markings to trees to public transit routes. It also debuted new custom-designed 3D landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and Arc De Triomphe.

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