Apple Maps Web is officially here in its beta version, reportedly allowing users to conveniently navigate to any destination and then some, all from the comfort of their mobile or desktop browsers.
Users can use Apple Maps by visiting the beta.maps.apple.com website. The majority of the features included in the iOS app are still available, such as seeing guides, placing direct food orders from Maps, exploring cities, and finding out business information. According to Apple, more capabilities like Look Around will be available in the upcoming months.
(Photo : Antonio Groß from Unsplash)
Apple just launched an improved Apple Maps experience in Denmark and Greece, bringing the total number of covered locations to 35.
For the time being, the web version of Apple Maps is limited to English and works with Chrome and Edge on Windows PCs and Safari and Chrome on Mac and iPad.
In the future, Apple intends to provide support for additional languages, platforms, and browsers. Apple says that any developer can link to Maps on the web by utilizing its MapKit JS tool.
Developers utilized the API to make maps for websites such as DuckDuckGo, and earlier iterations of Apple Maps were made available online. The app might now more effectively compete with Google, which has long been accessible through web browsers, thanks to its official online launch.
Recent Apple Maps Update
Other recent changes to Apple Maps include the introduction of the "Search Here" button, a long-needed update, by the iPhone maker in iOS 18. In response to a persistent user request, this newly added functionality makes it easier to locate certain sites outside of a user's current area.
In the past, as you browse through various regions, Apple Maps would simply follow your motions and provide the findings. Although this tool is still accessible, the new "Search Here" button much improves usability.
If you drag the map to New York when looking for a 7-11, for example, and hit the "Search Here" option, you can find specific 7-11 locations within the state of New York without the map trying to follow you around. If you want to search for convenient retailers in a specific location, this is a great useful function that's simple to use.
Google Maps and Ads
Google Maps, the primary rival of Apple Maps, has begun testing pop-up advertisements that will show up on the app while you're driving or navigating, suggesting locations you might want to add to your stop.
This recent function, which was discovered by a user on the Google Maps app, is still unknown because it was not officially confirmed by the internet giant.
Several users are reportedly calling this new ad type "aggressive" and "intrusive" because it shows up even when they are using the app to navigate to a location.
Some users describe these pop-up advertisements as "aggressive" and "intrusive," as they occupy a portion of the screen and appear even when a user is looking at the device for navigational purposes.
It was linked to a recent communication that Google sent out to its clients about the addition of Local Services ads to Google Maps; however, the main concern is that these will only show up as search ads rather than while navigating.
With major experience likely to be available, Google Maps is being regularly updated and tested to incorporate new features and experiences for users to enjoy.
Live Activities support for iOS and iPhones, a long-overdue feature that was introduced in January but only deployed in May, was one of the features discovered during its testing sessions.
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