Apple Maps has significantly enhanced its web version by integrating the highly anticipated Look Around feature, a direct competitor to Google Street View. This addition, previously available only on Apple Maps’ mobile and desktop applications since 2019, allows users to explore locations through panoramic imagery captured by Apple’s camera-equipped vehicles. The functionality is seamlessly integrated, offering a smooth and immersive user experience, comparable to its desktop counterpart. Accessing Look Around is intuitive; users simply select the binoculars icon located at the top right of the Apple Maps web interface. The view initially occupies a section of the screen, allowing simultaneous map viewing. Users can easily switch to full-screen mode using the provided arrows. Navigation within Look Around is straightforward, allowing users to drag the image to survey surroundings or click to smoothly traverse streets. Apple has ensured the web version retains the satisfyingly smooth movement that characterizes its other platforms. While Look Around delivers a comprehensive virtual exploration, it currently doesn’t support all locations globally. Apple provides a list of supported regions, prominently featuring major cities across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, and Japan, among others. Users can quickly ascertain Look Around availability by zooming into their desired location on the map; the binoculars icon will darken if the feature is supported. One key differentiator, however, is Google Street View’s historical imagery feature, enabling users to see past versions of locations. This functionality, cultivated over many years of Google’s data collection since 2005, is a significant advantage. Though Apple began collecting Look Around data in 2015, this historical capability isn’t yet implemented. Apple’s commitment to privacy stands as a major advantage over Google Maps. This, combined with significant recent enhancements to Apple Maps, positions it as a robust and privacy-conscious alternative. The Look Around feature is a game-changer for Apple Maps on the web, enhancing its standing as a powerful navigation and exploration tool. The user-friendly interface and smooth integration make it a highly competitive offering in the online map services market. This rollout showcases Apple’s continuous efforts in enhancing its mapping service, bringing it closer in terms of features to Google Maps, yet retaining its commitment to user privacy. The introduction of Look Around on the web underscores the ongoing competition between Apple and Google in the mapping technology space, each striving to provide users with the most comprehensive and user-friendly experience. The ongoing development and refinement of Apple Maps underscores Apple’s dedication to providing a comprehensive and innovative navigation experience. Future updates might well include the historical imagery feature, further strengthening its competitive position. This addition will likely attract more users looking for a feature-rich, private mapping solution.
Apple Maps Web Version Gets a Major Upgrade with Look Around Feature
