Apple Maps has finally launched on the web as Apple announced it through a beta that launched on Wednesday this week. This means that users can get directions when walking or driving on their PC or phone through a web browser.
As it stands, the web version is available through beta.maps.apple.com offering most of the usual features including view guides, ratings and reviews, city exploration and business information. Apple states that more features will be rolling out in the next few months.
The web-based Apple Maps is currently in English only although we should expect more languages to be made available soon. It is also compatible with Safari and Chrome on Mac and iPad along with Chrome & Edge on Windows PCs.
Apple Maps has been gradually adding new features to its service since its launch in 2012, which is progress but slow compared to its biggest rival, Google Maps. The latter dominates the market in part because it has been available on the web from the start. A web client could reach more people, particularly Windows users who want a more harmonious link with their iPhones.
The only web versions of the service that were available were thanks to the work of developers, who used the API (Application Programming Interface) to create maps for browsers.
According to Apple, all developers, including those using MapKit JS, can also link out to Maps on the web, so their users can get driving directions, see detailed place information, and more.
