Apple has quietly expanded access to its navigation service beyond its ecosystem, making Apple Maps available to users across different platforms including Android devices. This move represents a significant shift in Apple's traditionally closed approach to its services.
The End of Apple Maps' Exclusivity
Apple has officially removed the beta tag from the web version of Apple Maps, making it accessible to all users regardless of their device. The service, now available at maps.apple.com, works on mobile browsers including Chrome on Android smartphones. This marks the first time Android users can officially access Apple's navigation service without owning an Apple device, though the experience comes with limitations compared to the native iOS app.
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| Apple Maps is now accessible on Android devices via its web version, showcasing the search and directions features |
Limited Functionality Compared to Native App
While the web version of Apple Maps offers basic navigation capabilities, it lacks several key features found in the iOS native application. Users cannot sign in to their Apple accounts through the web interface, which means personalized features like Saved Places and custom Guides remain inaccessible. Additionally, advanced visual elements such as 3D building renderings and transit maps are not available in the web version.
Look Around Feature Included
One notable feature that has made its way to the web version is Look Around, Apple's equivalent to Google Maps' Street View. This feature provides panoramic 360-degree views at street level for supported locations, allowing users to virtually explore areas before visiting them. The addition of Look Around to the web version happened a few months ago during the beta phase and remains in the official release.
Creating a More App-Like Experience
Android users who find themselves frequently using Apple Maps can create a more seamless experience by adding the web app to their home screen. This can be done by tapping the Add to home screen button in Chrome, creating a shortcut that provides quicker access to the service without needing to open the browser and navigate to the website each time.
Possible Regulatory Motivations
Industry observers suggest that Apple's decision to expand Maps access may be partially motivated by increasing regulatory pressure. The company has faced antitrust scrutiny in various markets, particularly in Europe, where regulators have pushed for more openness in Apple's ecosystem. The web version of Apple Maps could be viewed as a response to these pressures, though some critics note that the limited functionality suggests minimal effort rather than genuine competitive intent.
Broader Strategy of Service Expansion
This move aligns with Apple's recent pattern of gradually expanding its services beyond its own hardware ecosystem. The company has previously brought Apple TV+ and Apple Music to rival platforms including Windows and Android. The expansion of Maps continues this trend, though it remains to be seen whether Apple will eventually develop a native Maps application for Android with full functionality.
Competitive Landscape
Despite this expansion, most Android users will likely continue to prefer Google Maps, which comes pre-installed on Android devices and offers a more robust feature set as a native application. The web version of Apple Maps currently offers no compelling advantages over Google's dominant navigation service for Android users, making this development more significant for its strategic implications than for its practical impact on most users' navigation habits.