Apple has introduced its mapping technology to devices outside its ecosystem with a web version that works in Chrome and Edge on Windows PCs.

Apple launched the web version of its Maps service in beta form yesterday, 12 years after the technology's less-than-stellar debut. Things have improved in the intervening decade or so, and Apple has decided that users outside its walled garden can now share in the fun.

According to Apple, Maps on the web is currently available in English and will work on Safari, Edge, and Chrome on a Mac or iPad, and Edge and Chrome on a PC. We tried a few other Chromium browsers (for example, Opera) and all all seemed to work properly, but attempting to use it on Mozilla's Firefox resulted in a stern: "Your current browser isn't supported."

Statcounter figures show Firefox's desktop browser market share as a close fourth behind Safari.

We also tried it on a Chromium browser on a handy Raspberry Pi. While we weren't greeted by a warning message, there were several rendering issues.

Apple plans to expand support for additional languages, browsers, and platforms over time. Not to worry, there's always Google's mapping service, or Bing, or OpenStreetMap.

We asked Apple if it could be more specific about its support for Firefox, and will update this piece if the iGiant responds.

In the meantime, the experience is similar to that on iDevices. Users can get driving and walking directions and be bombarded with ads "curated Guides to discover places to eat, shop, and explore in cities around the world." There are also photos, hours, ratings, and reviews to be found.

According to Apple, features such as the 360° "Look Around" function will be added in the coming months.

While we wouldn't hold our breath for a native Android Apple Maps app (although we did ask Apple if one might be forthcoming), the release puts Apple squarely into competition with Google, which has enjoyed dominance in the web mapping arena despite spirited attempts from the likes of Bing to offer an alternative.

Apple is also courting developers with the lure of being able to link out to Maps to offer users services such as location information and driving instructions. ®

https://www.theregister.com//2024/07/25/apple_maps_chrome_edge/