The option to utilize Apple Maps in web browsers has been recently rolled out by Apple, broadening the service’s reach to various platforms.
Although Apple Maps may not offer as extensive features as Google Maps, the navigation tool has made significant improvements in delivering a user-friendly interface. Users can now start using Apple Maps on the web without the necessity of signing in to their Apple accounts.
You have the ability to look up specific locations using the sidebar options. The map points out key places like Medical Centers, Train Terminals, Shops, Fuel Stations, Drugstores, Eateries, and more. By clicking on a location on the map, you get access to detailed info such as opening hours, ratings, pictures, and assessments collected from platforms like Yelp and Zomato. It’s also possible to directly contact a place or visit its website from the information provided. The Directions tab in the sidebar lets you fetch driving and walking directions from one spot to another, despite lacking step-by-step guidance. Additionally, the web version allows users to zoom in using the mouse’s scroll-wheel, a feature absent in the Apple Maps app on macOS.
Apple’s site states that the web edition of Apple Maps incorporates a section named Guides to aid users in discovering intriguing nearby destinations. While voice-assisted navigation is presently inaccessible in the web version, upcoming updates will bring features like Look Around. Developers can incorporate Maps on the web through the MapKit JS framework to provide driving instructions and other functions.
Discovering Apple Maps on Firefox
Apple Maps functions smoothly with Safari and Google Chrome on Mac and iPad, as well as with Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge on Windows computers. Nevertheless, Firefox is currently experiencing compatibility concerns. A workaround to access Apple Maps on Firefox involves using an add-on such as User-Agent Switcher and Manager to set the browser agent to Chrome or Safari. Another alternative is to explore DuckDuckGo’s Maps that leverage Apple Maps. Notably, Apple Maps does not extend support to Android devices, even when employing a Chrome-based browser, and is inaccessible on Safari for iOS.
Presently, Apple Maps on the web is solely accessible in English, with support for other languages anticipated soon. OpenStreetMap serves as a viable alternative and can be accessed on any web browser. For those inclined towards privacy-focused navigation applications on mobile devices, options like Organic Maps (iOS/Android), OSMand (iOS/Android/Web), or HERE WeGo (iOS/Android) offer turn-by-turn navigation and downloadable offline maps for offline usage.
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