In a significant development, Apple has launched a public beta of Apple Maps on the web, making it accessible directly from your browser. This launch puts Apple Maps in direct competition with Google Maps, which has been available on the web since 2005.
Currently available in English, the web version of Apple Maps can be accessed using Safari and Chrome on Mac and iPad, as well as Chrome and Edge on Windows PCs. Apple plans to extend support to additional languages, browsers, and platforms in the future.
Apple Maps on the web offers functionalities similar to its mobile app, including driving and walking directions, ordering food from Maps place cards, browsing curated guides and reviews, and more. Apple has also announced plans to bring additional features, such as the 360-degree panoramic “Look Around” view, to the web version in the coming months.
Moreover, developers can link out to Maps on the web, allowing their users to obtain driving directions and detailed place information seamlessly.
This web launch marks a significant milestone, coming 12 years after Apple first introduced Apple Maps on the iPhone. By making Apple Maps available on the web, Apple aims to provide a more versatile and accessible mapping service, potentially drawing users away from established competitors like Google Maps.
Google Maps vs. Apple Maps: A Head-to-Head Comparison
Both Google Maps and Apple Maps are dominant navigation and mapping applications, but they cater to users in slightly different ways. Here’s a breakdown of their strengths and weaknesses:
Features:
- Data and Coverage: Google Maps boasts a vast database of geographical information, offering detailed maps for most locations worldwide. Apple Maps, while improving, might have limited coverage in some regions.
- Navigation: Both offer turn-by-turn navigation for driving, walking, cycling, and public transport. However, Google Maps can access real-time traffic data for more accurate ETAs and route suggestions.
- Public Transport: Google Maps provides extensive public transport information, including schedules and real-time updates. Apple Maps’ public transport options are still evolving.
- Live Features: Google Maps offers live traffic updates, incident reports, and speed limit warnings. Apple Maps might have a slight delay in updating live traffic conditions.
- Offline Functionality: Both allow downloading maps for offline use, but Google Maps offers a more comprehensive selection of downloadable areas.
- Business Information: Google Maps integrates seamlessly with other Google services like Search and Reviews, providing richer information about businesses (photos, user reviews, opening hours). Apple Maps relies on third-party data for business information, which may not always be as comprehensive.
- Multi-Stop Routing: Google Maps allows adding multiple stops to your route for optimized navigation. This feature is a recent addition to Apple Maps (iOS 16).
- Customization: Google Maps offers more customization options, like different map styles and traffic layer overlays. Apple Maps prioritizes a minimalist aesthetic.
User Interface (UI):
- Google Maps: Offers a more information-rich interface, displaying a lot of details at once. Some users might find it cluttered.
- Apple Maps: Known for its clean and user-friendly interface, focusing on essential navigation elements. May lack some detailed information readily available on Google Maps.
Privacy:
- Google Maps: Collects a significant amount of user data for personalization and targeted advertising. This might be a concern for privacy-conscious users.
- Apple Maps: Focuses on user privacy and limits data collection. This can sometimes limit personalization options.
Overall:
- Google Maps: Ideal for users seeking a feature-rich, comprehensive navigation experience with real-time updates and extensive information. However, its data collection practices might be a concern for some.
- Apple Maps: Perfect for Apple users who prioritize a user-friendly interface, clean design, and value their privacy. Functionality might be slightly limited compared to Google Maps.
The best choice depends on your individual needs and priorities.
