Main Takeaways
- You can visit the Apple Maps website to use it on any browser of your choice.
- You can search for directions, places, and more using the web app.
- However, the web app has limitations, so you may want to stick with Google Maps or the native Apple Maps app.
If you prefer Apple Maps but use a Windows PC, you may have noticed that Apple doesn’t offer a dedicated desktop app. Fortunately, you can still easily access Apple Maps on the web in any browser. We’ll show you how to do that.
Use Apple Maps on the web
You can access Apple Maps on any operating system, including Windows and Android. To do this, visit the Apple Maps website using your favorite web browser.
Apple Maps works the same way as Google Maps. Just click seek Press the button and type your query to get a variety of relevant results. Select a location and Apple Maps will highlight it on the map.
If you need directions between two places, just click directione button in the sidebar. You can enter the starting point in from The field and your destination in to field. When you click on from You can also choose to have your current location automatically filled in.
You can also choose whether to drive or walk by clicking on the relevant buttons at the top. The site will then show you multiple route options and estimated travel times for each. Simply select a route from the sidebar, which will also be highlighted on the map, similar to how Google Maps works.
When searching for a specific place, whether it's a city or a specific address, you can refine your search to show specific points of interest in the surrounding area. Here are some examples.
- gas stations
- Restaurants
- fast food
- parking
- Bars
- grocery shop
- Hotels
You can find anything else you need, such as train stations and ATMs. To keep the results relevant, add the phrase “near me” to your search. So “ATMs near me” will limit your search to results in your immediate vicinity.
Once you’ve selected what you’re looking for, such as restaurants, you’ll see a list of nearby options in the sidebar. Select a place to see all the information you need, such as directions from your current location, phone number, hours of operation, reviews, and more, just like you would when using Apple Maps on your iPhone or Mac.
More tips about Apple Maps
In addition to the basic features, the Apple Maps web app offers some useful options. If you're visiting a new city and want to learn more about the places you plan to explore, just tap Guidelines In the sidebar, you'll find plenty of recommendations from major publishers and travel magazines.
Additionally, if you don't like the default view, you can switch to hybrid view or satellite view for a better view. To do this, simply click on the map icon in the upper right corner of the page and select your preferred option.
Apple Maps Web Usage Limits
While Apple Maps does a great job of drawing basic maps, it does have some limitations that you need to be aware of. You may find it difficult to switch if you're used to taking advantage of some of Google Maps' best features.
For someone who primarily uses public transportation, the main drawback is that the only options available for directions are walking or driving, unlike the Maps app available on an iPhone or Mac.
Additionally, you can't use the web app to navigate on mobile; it only allows you to view directions. So, using the Apple Maps or Google Maps app on your phone is the best option if you need real-time directions.
Another major drawback is that you can’t sign in with your Apple account to sync all your saved places or recent searches, so it’s not really a great option if you plan on using it daily. Google Maps is better for those use cases. Finally, while you can download Apple Maps for offline use on your iPhone, the feature is missing from the web app.
While the site is useful for quickly finding places, I wouldn’t recommend it as your primary mapping app. If you have an Apple device, you’re better off using the Apple Maps app on your iPhone or Mac. If you have a Windows PC, the Google Maps web app is still superior.