Apple Maps adds “Look Around” to web browser beta

Apple is now integrating its “Look Around” function into the beta web version of Apple Maps. The previously iOS and MacOS-exclusive alternative to Google Street View enables detailed 360-degree views of streets and cities – but initially limited. Apple

Apple opens map service in the browser

Apple already launched the beta version of its maps web application in the middle of the year beta.maps.apple.com opened for other users, now the following additional functions. The “Look Around” function, also known as “Look Around”, will now start. This feature is similar to Google Street View and also enables virtual city tours with high-resolution 360-degree panoramic images in the browser.

Limited browser support at launch

Apple Maps currently only works with Chrome, Firefox, and Edge on MacOS, iPadOS, and Windows. Android users remain excluded and only receive an error message when attempting to access. It is not yet known whether Apple wants to change this.

Current limitations of the beta version

The web version is still in beta and has the following limitations:

Available: route planning for cars and pedestrians
Still missing: public transport navigation and traffic information
Not implemented: satellite images and 3D building representation

The “Look Around” function differs from Google Street View particularly in its handling of privacy. While Google has had to pixelate numerous houses upon request in the past, Apple records significantly fewer pixelation requests.

This could be due to the company’s stricter data protection concept, in which faces and license plates are automatically obscured when recording. However, there are also some “disadvantages” to Apple Maps service. As Heise emphasizes, the photographs are often outdated, which means that many changes, such as new buildings, are no longer adequate.

Most of the recordings available in Germany are from 2020. Updated recordings can be expected in the near future.

What are your first impressions of the “Look Around” function in the browser? Feel free to share your experiences with the new web version of Apple Maps in the comments.