Apple Maps takes on the web, challenging Google Maps 🗺️

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Apple has just taken a major step in the world of online mapping by launching a web version of its Maps service. Accessible at beta.maps.apple.com, this new offering marks a strategic turning point for the Cupertino company, which seeks to directly compete with Google Maps on its home turf.

A Progressive Opening 🚂

Previously reserved for Apple device users, Maps is now opening up to a wider audience. The beta version is compatible with Safari and Chrome on Mac, as well as Chrome and Edge on Windows. Apple promises to extend support to other browsers and languages in the coming months.

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Although less comprehensive than its iOS and macOS counterparts, this web version already offers several key features:

• Search for driving and walking directions
• Access to travel guides
• Information on points of interest
• Food ordering directly from restaurant listings

However, some limitations are worth noting. Public transit and bicycle routes are not yet available. Additionally, distances are displayed in miles rather than kilometers, which may confuse European users. Finally, travel guides are currently limited to London and Paris in Europe.

A Serious Competitor for Google Maps? ⚔️

Despite this promising start, Maps still has a way to go to catch up with Google Maps. The wealth of features and speed of route calculation remain major advantages for the Mountain View giant.

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Nevertheless, Apple has more than one trick up its sleeve. The company plans to soon integrate advanced features such as 360-degree views (equivalent to Google’s Street View) and 3D visualization.

A Strategic and Economic Issue 💰

Beyond the consumer service, Apple is also targeting the developer market with MapKit JS. This tool will allow easy integration of Apple maps into third-party websites, directly competing with Google’s offering in this area.

Moreover, the Cupertino firm is seriously considering monetizing Maps through advertising. By gaining visibility on the web, the service could become an attractive advertising platform for local businesses, paving the way for potentially considerable new revenue streams.

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In conclusion, while web Maps is still in its early stages, this initiative clearly marks Apple’s ambition to shake up Google Maps’ hegemony in the online mapping domain. It remains to be seen whether the apple will be able to convince users to change their habits and adopt its mapping solution in the long term.

Have you already used Apple Maps? If so, what do you think of this news? If not, do you think you might give it a chance? Let us know in the comments.