Apple has decided to expand its Maps app beyond the boundaries of its mobile devices. As of now, the app is now publicly accessible through the Mac and iPad, as well as through Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge on Windows, albeit in beta form.
The beta version is only available in some locations and only in English. Although, Apple is planning to broaden the web access thoroughly especially to include other languages, as well as access on other devices and browsers over time.
The web version of Maps currently displays directions, businesses, points of interest, as well as Guides, just to list off a few. Aside from that, there’s the future addition of “Look Around,” which Apple plans to implement in the coming months. However, users cannot log in using Apple ID on the web version to access any saved locations or custom Guides from the mobile version, so there’s still some things that need to be furnished.
And after many years of restricting Maps as a mobile app, the company might be trying to take on Google at its own game. Google Maps, for instance, has had developers embed its own application on Google websites for the longest time. Apple claims that once the final version is revealed, you’ll be able to easily link the main mobile app to its web version, which will ensure the user-friendliness people have come to expect from the company.
(Source: 9to5Mac, Engadget, Apple)
Haikal Nazri contributed to this article.
