Something to note under “might not be popular among many Linux users, but is undoubtedly a good thing™ for choice”, Apple Maps is now accessible on the web through Linux.
Apple introduced a web-based version of Apple Maps in beta during July, making its mapping service available on non-Apple platforms for the first time (the application is preinstalled on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS).
Ideally, any web-based service should be universally accessible.
However, in the less-than-ideal world we inhabit, that is often not the case.
At first, ‘Apple Maps on web’ (as referred to by Cupertino) was accessible exclusively via Safari on macOS and iOS, as well as Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge on both Windows and macOS.
This service later extended to offer support for Mozilla Firefox in August, but once more, it was limited to users on macOS, iOS, and Windows.
As indicated on the official Apple Maps for web support page, this restriction still stands: limited to those specific browsers and operating systems.
And yet…
The screenshot above depicts Mozilla Firefox 132 operating on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, with the web version of Apple Maps successfully loaded.
All functionalities are performing as expected, including search, directions, hybrid images, location detection, guides, points of interest, along with essential interactive features such as scrolling and zooming, and more.
This is not the case in other browsers.
When I access the same URL using Google Chrome, Vivaldi, or GNOME Web (Epiphany), I am met with the same outcome as before: a redirect to an ‘unsupported’ holding page, which displays a message stating “your current browser isn’t supported.”
Even after attempting to avoid them, modifications to the user-agent string do not appear to yield any results.
Credit goes to Apple for stating from the outset that Maps on the web would be “available for additional browsers, platforms, and languages” eventually, though they offered no details on when that might occur.
Considering that Apple’s other web services, like iCloud, are compatible with Linux browsers, I interpret “additional platforms” to include both Linux/ChromeOS as well as Android.
However, despite the lack of formal support, it is currently functional in Firefox on Linux (and exclusively in Firefox at this time).
I suppose that’s a positive development.
There was a time when Apple Maps was infamously lacking in reliable navigation. Nowadays, the Maps application on iOS has reached a level comparable to any other mapping service, offering real-time directions, public transport information, and a wealth of attractions and places to explore.
Even though it has improved significantly, the fact that it is developed by Apple might leave many Linux users skeptical: “I have no intention of using Apple Maps on Linux! Never! Why is this even being discussed!?”.
However, it’s beneficial for Linux users to have access to a capable alternative (not the only option, of course) to Google Maps, even if the majority (myself included) might lean towards using other services, such as OpenStreetMap.
This touches on a recurring issue within the Linux community: we criticize companies for their lack of support for Linux, express dissatisfaction when they do get involved, and then dismiss each other for opting to use their software — it’s almost like a flowchart of a Linux YouTuber’s content!
The crux of the matter is that Ubuntu is simply an operating system, not a prescriptive ideology (at least for most users). Many Linux enthusiasts also use Apple products. This offers a viable alternative to Google Maps. Some people would prefer to navigate in darkness than utilize Apple Maps, while others have a more flexible approach.
Currently, there’s no sign that Look Around (Apple’s counterpart to Google Street View) is available, but it’s likely to be included eventually. If Maps is intended to appeal to those who do not use Apple devices, some level of feature equivalence will be necessary to entice them away from Google Maps.
If you’re curious to see if it loads for you (though I won’t make any promises), feel free to check out the Apple Maps beta website and find out!
ChicagoVPS is your gateway to unparalleled hosting solutions. Our state-of-the-art datacenters and powerful network ensures lightning-fast speeds and uninterrupted connectivity for your websites and applications. Whether you’re a startup looking for scalable resources or an enterprise in need of enterprise-grade hosting, our range of plans and customizable solutions guarantee a perfect fit. Trust in ChicagoVPS to deliver excellence, combining unmatched reliability and top-tier support.
For Inquiries or to receive a personalized quote, please reach out to us through our contact form here or email us at sales@chicagovps.net.
