Abishek D Praphullalumar
Android users can now access Apple Maps via Chrome, as Apple quietly expands its web-based map service beyond iOS and desktop. The feature was in beta last year and now appears more widely available, albeit with some lingering limitations. Although the beta label still shows on the interface, the URL no longer includes “beta”, marking a subtle yet significant shift.
That said, the mobile version is missing several key features, such as Look Around (Apple’s answer to Street View) and polished turn-by-turn navigation. The experience remains barebones compared to the full desktop version or Google Maps, making it more of a discovery tool than a navigation alternative for now.
Still, this is a noteworthy move in Apple’s usually locked-down ecosystem. By opening Apple Maps to Android users even in a limited capacity Apple is signaling a broader interest in cross-platform presence. Whether this is the start of deeper integration or just a gesture remains to be seen, but it’s a welcome, if rocky, start.
