Apple Maps launches in beta on the web as competition with Google intensifies

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

Apple Maps has been usable only on the company’s devices, with the benefit of greater integration within the Apple ecosystem. Unlike the Google Maps app, for example, Apple Maps sends turn-by-turn directions to Apple Watches. But the move to the web demonstrates confidence in the company’s location and direction services beyond Apple device owners.

The iPhone maker shared the update to Apple Maps in a statement, noting, “Users can now get driving and pedestrian directions, find great places and helpful information like photos, hours, and 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 an initial lukewarm reception in terms of accuracy and user experience. Since then, the company has significantly improved the efficiency and appearance of Maps, and added many new capabilities to improve ranking. It has also incorporated a number of popular features that are similar to what you find in Google Maps. For example, Fly Over offers a 3D look at major landmarks, similar to (but not as comprehensive as) Google’s Immersive View. Apple also added long-awaited support for offline maps with iOS 17.

Also see: Google Maps adds public transit warnings for broken elevators and accessibility issues

Maps on the Web is available in English, and is compatible with Safari and Chrome on Mac and iPad, along with Chrome and Edge on Windows PCs. Apple says it will add support for more languages, browsers, and platforms in the future.

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