Apple has recently enhanced its web-based version of Apple Maps, introducing a much-anticipated Street View feature. This update allows users to explore city streets and neighborhoods from the comfort of their browsers, offering a detailed visual representation of various locations. Previously, this feature was exclusive to the Apple Maps app available on iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
As of now, the web version of Apple Maps is still in beta testing and can be accessed at beta.maps.apple.com. Users should note that it is not available through the standard apple.com/maps URL, which currently serves as a promotional site for the native app. The browser version of Apple Maps has been available to the public since the summer of 2024, but it is limited to the major browsers on macOS, iPadOS, and Windows, including Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Unfortunately, Android users attempting to access the service via Chrome or Brave encounter an error message, indicating that support for Android platforms is still lacking.
In a support document updated in August, Apple hinted at future expansions for the map service, promising compatibility with more browsers, platforms, and languages. Notably, the service now includes support for the German language, which marks a significant step in its international reach.
The Street View feature, referred to as “Look Around” by Apple, has been capturing street-level images across Germany since mid-2022. Users can identify this feature by the binoculars icon within the app. While many of the images currently available are from 2020, Apple has been actively updating its street photo collection, with vehicles deployed across various regions in Germany in 2024 to capture more recent imagery.
Initially, Apple’s “Look Around” feature distinguished itself from Google’s Street View by having fewer instances of pixelated houses. However, Google has also recently updated its street imagery, resulting in fewer pixelated houses in its offerings as well. This evolution in both services reflects a growing trend toward providing clearer, more authentic representations of street views.
Despite the new features, questions remain regarding the future direction of Apple Maps on the web. The service currently supports essential functions such as route planning for cars and pedestrians, but it lacks additional views like traffic conditions, satellite imagery, and 3D mapping. There have been reports suggesting that Apple is testing advertising placements within the map interface, but as of now, the service remains free of advertisements.
As Apple continues to refine and expand its mapping services, users can expect further updates and features that enhance their navigation and exploration experiences. The introduction of the Street View capability marks a significant milestone for Apple Maps, positioning it as a more competitive alternative to existing mapping solutions in the market.
