Use Apple Maps on the web

Apple Maps has been playing catch-up to Google Maps since its launch in 2012, and has now finally made its debut on the web. That means you can access Apple Maps in any browser, whether you’re using macOS or Windows.

Previously, you were limited to the dedicated Apple Maps apps for iOS, iPadOS and macOS. That meant you couldn’t use it if you didn’t have an Apple phone, tablet or computer, which clearly limits the number of users who can access it.

Currently, Apple Maps is being labeled as being in beta on the internet. It works in Safari and Chrome on macOS, and in Chrome and Edge on Windows, with support for more browsers and platforms set to be “expanded over time.”

Get started

Because this is a beta launch, you won’t find all Apple Maps features on the web interface, although you can still do plenty. Open Safari or Chrome on macOS, or Chrome or Edge on Windows, and point your browser to https://beta.maps.apple.com to get started.

The map interface fills most of the browser window, and you can zoom in and out using the buttons in the lower right corner (or via a mouse’s scroll wheel or a trackpad gesture). Click and drag the compass icon (top right) to change the map orientation, or click the navigation pointer (an arrow) to jump to your current location.

You can choose from three different map views, which you can access by clicking the map icon in the top left corner of the interface: Standard view, the Satellite view, and a Hybrid view that combines them both (you get the satellite images, with the standard map labels for streets and places at the top).

In the left side panel you will see a Search option, so you can jump to a specific location, whether it’s a restaurant, a city, or a country. Start typing and you’ll see some suggestions. If you don’t type anything, you’ll get quick links to nearby places, whether they’re gas stations, parking lots, or bars, so you can also search for a type of place.

Click on a place label on the map and just like in the Apple Maps apps, you’ll get more details about it. You can view information including photos, reviews, hours and menus, and you can share a place with someone else (or save it to an app like Notes) by clicking the share button at the top (the square with an arrow above it).

Guides and directions

Under the Search option on the left panel Guides. This takes you to a curated selection of travel guides, covering topics such as the best restaurants to visit or the must-see sights in a particular city. Use the drop-down menu at the top and you can narrow down the guides by region.

Click on any of the guides, such as the best places to hear live jazz in New Orleans, and the map will zoom in on the locations the guide points to. You can compare the guide text with the other information on the map, including photos of the location and how easily you can get to it.

The other key feature of Apple Maps on the web is navigation: click Directions on the left to enter your start and end point and choose between driving, walking, public transport or cycling. You’ll be given drop-down menus for specifying a departure time (which affects traffic estimates) and for viewing routes that avoid toll roads, highways, busy roads, steep hills, and stairs.

You can also click anywhere on the map and then choose Directions from the tab that appears. Wherever you go and wherever you leave, you’ll see a choice of routes and times. Of course, you can’t practically do much with navigation instructions on a desktop computer, but you can send these directions elsewhere by clicking the share button in the upper right corner (the square and arrow symbol).

Obviously, there’s a lot more to come in the way of Apple Maps on the web, and it’s not fully featured yet. For example, currently you can’t sign in with your Apple account to view your favorite places and saved locations. . However, it’s a solid start for the web app and already gives you enough functionality to browse the map and find certain points of interest.