What simply occurred? Apple’s reply to Google Maps has solely been out there on the corporate’s units – till now. Though the brand new net model would not have as many options as its well-known rival, the Cupertino big has promised upgrades later this yr.
A beta model of Apple Maps is now out there for net browsers, opening the Google Maps various to non-Apple platforms. The preview lacks a few of the native app’s options, however updates are deliberate within the coming months.
Home windows customers can entry Apple Maps by Chrome and Edge, whereas on Macs, it helps Safari and Chrome. The net utility is at present solely usable in English, however Apple will finally embrace extra languages, browsers, and platforms.
The beginning characteristic set contains search, location info, driving instructions, on-foot instructions, historical past, and guides. As with the app, the information part accommodates articles a few curated choice of attention-grabbing locations from throughout the globe. Maps are viewable with commonplace, satellite tv for pc, and hybrid overlays.
In comparison with the cell and Mac apps, it is lacking Apple account integration, 3D view, climate info, driving navigation mode, and transit mode. Apple confirmed that extra performance is coming, together with Look Round, the corporate’s tackle Google Road View.
Moreover, builders can now create net hyperlinks to Apple Maps to offer instructions and different info on numerous companies. The performance additionally helps MapKit JS, which lets builders add interactive maps to web sites utilizing Apple Maps.
It stays unclear whether or not the Apple Maps updates deliberate for iOS 18 shall be out there on browsers. When the foremost OS updates for Apple units arrive later this yr, the navigation app will obtain assist for customized mountain climbing and strolling routes. Customers will be capable of browse, save, create, and share paths by nationwide parks within the US.
The updates may even introduce many different options, essentially the most notable being Apple Intelligence – the corporate’s reply to the rising generative AI development. It’ll allow options like computerized picture era, textual content proofing, and planning throughout a number of apps, however solely on the newest iPhones or iPads with M-series processors.
Cupertino is anticipated to launch the iPhone 16 alongside iOS 18. Rumored upcoming {hardware} merchandise for 2025 and 2026 embrace a brand new iPad Mini, an iPad Professional introducing the unannounced M5 processor, an iPhone SE 4, and Apple’s first folding telephone.