Apple Maps Expands Function on Desktop, Mobile Browser

Apple Maps opened its public beta on the web, allowing more users to access its services on desktop and mobile browsers.

The Maps on the web offers support on Safari, Chrome on Mac and iPad, and Chrome and Edge on Windows PCs.

Apple Maps Launches Support for Browsers

Apple officially expanded its Maps service on the web after more than a decade since the introduction of the app. Maps is now available through the beta.maps.apple.com. site, bearing similar functions to the iOS version of the app.

"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 announced.

The company also teased that additional features like Look Around will soon be available. The web version of the app is currently only available in English but Apple assured that additional languages, browsers, and platforms will be expanded in the following months.

Apple to Compete With Google Maps' Current Popularity

Apple Maps started its journey on iOS devices in 2012. Over the years, the tech giant has been adding new features like city maps, multi-stop routing, cycling directions, offline navigation, and more.

The app remained exclusively available and utilized by Apple users. Other consumers who use Android devices are likely to use the pre-installed Google Maps on their smartphones for navigation. Google's version has been available on the web for a long time already.

Developers who used the API to create maps for sites like DuckDuckGo were able to launch Apple Maps on the web before the official announcement. All developers can now link the Maps on the web and allow their users to get driving directions, detailed location information, and more.