Apple Maps web client beta now available on Android phone browsers

Apple Maps for web that rivals the likes of Google Maps, appears to be now close to exiting beta. As part of the update, the beta Apple Maps web client that originally only worked on desktops and tablets, now supports iPhone and Android web browsers. The company introduced a beta Apple Maps web client in June 2024, and it now supports mobile web browsers, including those on Android phones.

Apple Maps on Android

The web version of Apple Maps still has major limitations though. Currently, the web client doesn't support signing into the user’s Apple ID. That means if the user has saved places or guides on Apple devices, they won't be accessible on the user’s Android phone or tablet on the web. Additionally, the Apple Maps website lacks support for certain types of directions, like transit directions in some cities.

Although Apple isn't offering Maps as a dedicated Android app on the Google Play Store, Apple Maps' web client can be turned into a progressive web app (PWA) on an Android phone, thanks to the recent updates.

This will let the user "install" the site on the Android home screen for quick access to Apple Maps on the web separate from the default browser.

The user can do so by navigating to the Apple Maps website, tapping the three-button menu in the toolbar, and selecting Add to home screen. From there, on tapping Install, the user will then see the app on the Android home screen.