Apple’s web beta of Apple Maps is slowly taking shape to better compete with Google Maps.
Apple Maps continues its quest to redefine digital navigation, and its latest move has brought one of its most celebrated features, Look Around, to the web. Following the beta launch of Apple Maps on the web earlier this year in July, Apple has now rolled out Look Around street-level views for several major cities, 9to5Mac reports. This addition marks a significant step forward in making Apple Maps on the web a robust and competitive mapping platform.
How to Use Look Around on the Web
Using Look Around on the web is just as intuitive as it is on Apple’s native apps for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. To activate this feature, simply click the binoculars icon located in the bottom-left corner of the map window. Once enabled, you can click and drag to explore first-person perspectives of streets and neighborhoods in various cities. The fluidity and detail of Look Around make it an excellent tool for exploring unfamiliar areas, planning trips, or just satisfying your curiosity about a specific location.
What Apple Maps on the Web Offered at Launch
When Apple Maps on the web entered beta, it provided basic functionality. Users could search for points of interest, check out ratings, browse curated area Guides, and get directions. These features laid the groundwork for a practical and user-friendly experience. However, Apple Maps on the web was still a step behind its app counterpart in terms of functionality. Look Around bridges that gap, bringing the web version closer to parity with the full Apple Maps app experience on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.
The Gap Between Web and App: What’s Still Missing?
While Look Around is a big leap forward, the web version of Apple Maps still lacks some key features available in the apps. For instance, it doesn’t yet include personalized functionality like searching for addresses saved in your Contacts or marking favorite locations in your Library. These omissions might make the web version less appealing to users who rely on Apple Maps’ personalization tools to organize their travel and daily navigation.
Why Look Around Stands Out
Apple’s Look Around is often compared to Google’s Street View, but many users find Apple’s implementation to be smoother and more visually polished. The high-resolution imagery and seamless transitions create a more immersive experience. As someone who frequently uses the Apple Maps app on my Mac, I’ve often been impressed by the quality and user-friendliness of Look Around. It’s my go-to tool for virtually exploring new areas before traveling. That said, I’ve sometimes found myself switching back to Google Maps for one simple reason: coverage. For instance, despite spotting an Apple Maps van in Baltimore, MD, as far back as 2017, Look Around still isn’t available for my hometown. This gap in coverage can be a dealbreaker for users who need detailed street-level views in less-supported areas.
The Bigger Picture: Apple’s Strategy
Apple’s gradual rollout of Look Around reflects its broader strategy of delivering premium features with precision and care. While the web version still doesn’t completely replicate the app’s experience, it’s clear Apple is committed to closing the gap. Expanding Look Around to more cities and enhancing web-based personalization could make Apple Maps a formidable competitor to Google Maps, even beyond the Apple ecosystem.
What’s Next?
For now, Look Around is available in several major cities, and the full list of supported locations can be found on Apple’s website. As Apple continues to refine and expand its mapping services, users can expect more cities to gain Look Around coverage and more features to arrive on the web platform. If Apple maintains its current trajectory, it could soon offer a fully unified mapping experience across devices and platforms.
In the meantime, if you haven’t tried Apple Maps on the web, now is the perfect time to explore. Whether you’re planning a trip, scouting out neighborhoods, or just indulging in some digital sightseeing, Look Around offers an experience that’s worth checking out. With its smooth transitions, crisp visuals, and user-friendly design, Apple Maps on the web is proving to be a compelling alternative in the world of online navigation.
