Apple has made a significant step towards expanding its reach by making its Maps service available on mobile browsers for non-Apple devices. The move marks a shift from its exclusive launch on iPhone and iPad in 2012, which was met with criticism due to inaccuracies.
Since then, Apple has improved the service, becoming a respectable alternative to Google Maps. In 2018, it released the MapKit API, allowing developers to embed Apple Maps into websites. This led to the creation of web-based versions, such as DuckDuckGo’s Apple Maps integration.
The latest update adds the Look Around feature, similar to Google Street View, allowing users to see 360-degree views of locations. The feature was initially available in a limited beta version but has now been made widely available on web browsers for Windows PCs and mobile devices.
Users can access Apple Maps by visiting maps.apple.com in their preferred browser on Android phones, including Chrome and Firefox. While the native app is unlikely to be released on Android, this move expands the service’s reach and provides a functional alternative for users who receive links from iPhone friends.
The decision not to release a native Apple Maps app on Android may be due to strategic considerations, but it also allows other services like Apple Music and TV+ to expand their user base. The availability of Apple Maps on mobile browsers offers a convenient solution for those who need access to the service, even if they don’t own an iPhone.
Source: https://www.howtogeek.com/apple-maps-finally-works-in-android-mobile-browsers