How to use Apple Maps right in the browser
Apple Maps has come a long way since its launch in 2012, but the biggest problem with this tool is that it is still only available on Apple devices. What if you use both iPhone and Windows? Can you use Apple Maps on PC? In fact, you can do this.
As it turned out, the search engine focused on the popular DuckDuckGo privacy right provided Apple Maps as the default mapping software. And although there are some limitations, this tool still works quite well.
Read the following article to learn how to use Apple Maps online, no matter which platform you use.
What is Apple Maps? How to use it in the browser?
- Use online Apple Maps with DuckDuckGo
- Some useful Apple Maps tips
- Limited when using Apple Maps on PC
- Is Apple Maps better than Google Maps?
Use online Apple Maps with DuckDuckGo
With DuckDuckGo, you can use Apple Maps in Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or any other browser you choose. It works on Windows, Chrome OS and even in the DuckDuckGo app on Android.
Apple Maps in the browser works like Google Maps. Whenever you search for something, you'll see a Maps tab above the results. A quick click on it will show you any relevant locations drawn on the map.
When you search for a specific location, be it a city or an exact address, you will have the opportunity to refine your search to display specific points of interest. The criteria provided are:
- Restaurants (Restaurants)
- Hotels (Hotels)
- Bars ( Bars )
- Groceries (Grocery)
- Banks (Banks)
- Parking (Parking)
- Coffee (Coffee shop)
- Parks ( Parks )
You can find anything else you need, such as the train station and ATM tree. To make the results narrower based on your actual location, add the phrase 'near me' to the search. For example, 'ATM near me' will restrict search results in the vicinity, based on your location.
All results are displayed in the sidebar. Click through to see addresses, phone numbers, pricing information and location reviews.
You can browse the map by clicking and dragging or zooming in and out. When you do this, click the Search this area button to quickly refine your search.
Some useful Apple Maps tips
A few other tricks can help you better navigate Apple Maps on the web. Enter 'my location' to see where you are on the map. Click the Satellite button to switch the map view or compass icon to rotate it.
To use Apple Maps in Dark Mode, press the Back button to return to the main DuckDuckGo search page. Then go to Settings and select Dark Mode in Appearance. This new theme will remain the same when you return to the Maps tab .
Besides, DuckDuckGo has many things to offer in addition to the map.
Limited when using Apple Maps on PC
Is Apple Maps on the desktop a perfect replacement for Google Maps? The answer is no. Although Apple Maps does great basic mapping work, it has some limitations that you need to know. If you are used to using Google products, there are some disadvantages that you must overcome if you choose Apple Maps.
First, there is no integrated support for route planning. Have an Directions button in the interface, but when you click this button, it will redirect you to Bing Maps on Windows 10 by default. However, you can choose another service if you want. On macOS, you will access the Apple Maps application and other platforms will take you to Google Maps.
Yes, you can use your phone to find your way. But if you want to draw a road map to share or print, you can't really do it here.
Above all, the application lacks the general interaction layer you have on other map services. For example, you can't click on any random point of interest to see details about it or even add a pin icon to mark a specific location.
You will also not find any useful extras like public transport situation or traffic information. For these features, you'll need the Apple Maps app for iOS or macOS.
Is Apple Maps better than Google Maps?
DuckDuckGo gives you an easy way to use Apple Maps online. And unlike other solutions, providing similar functionality in the past, this is an official app, so Apple Maps will not disappear without notice.
With platform restrictions removed, nothing prevents you from using Apple Maps today. But should you switch to using Apple Maps? Refer to the Apple Maps comparison article with Google Maps of Google Maps to find out if you should convert!
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