Apple recently took a significant step forward in the world of online mapping with the deployment of the Look Around feature on the web version of Apple Maps. This service, which was initially reserved for iOS devices, is now accessible from any browser on Mac and Windows, providing a real alternative to the dominance of Google Maps and its Street View.
The Look Around feature: an immersive vision
Look Around, Apple's equivalent of Street View, allows users to virtually navigate the streets of cities covered by the service. It is a 360-degree panoramic view technology offering total immersion, as if you were actually there. Since its launch on the mobile version, this feature has attracted the attention of travel enthusiasts and people wishing to explore places before physically going there.
Now, this same experience is available directly via the web here, making access even easier for users without Apple devices. The web version, however, remains in beta.
Limited but promising coverage
Although Look Around does not yet cover the entire globe, France already benefits from a good part of this service. Currently, the main areas covered include some major cities in Canada, Japan, the United States, as well as several European countries including Germany, Belgium and Italy.
This geographical limitation is not exclusive to Apple, however. Google Street View, despite a considerable lead, also continues to expand its coverage areas. For Apple, this gradual expansion is part of a long-term strategy to provide a competitive and innovative alternative in the field of digital mapping.
Continuous improvements for increased competition
The development of Apple Maps, in particular with the integration of Look Around on the web version, reflects the company's ongoing efforts to improve its service. In addition to immersive views, Apple is working to enrich its photo database and improve its image processing algorithms, in particular by systematically blurring faces to respect the privacy of the individuals captured.
Since June 2024, it is no longer mandatory to use an Apple device to benefit from route calculation on Apple Maps, which considerably expands its accessibility. The addition of Look Around to the web portal reinforces this aspect, allowing an even wider audience to discover and use these services in a practical and intuitive way.
User opinions and image quality
Early user feedback on this new feature often highlights the superior quality of the photos offered by Look Around compared to those of Google Street View. Although this perception may be subjective, it demonstrates Apple's investments in its imaging technologies in order to stand out from its competitors.
However, some criticisms emerge regarding the "overly emphatic" visual effects that accompany the virtual movement in Look Around. Apple will therefore have to find a balance between the aesthetics of these animations and the fluidity of navigation to fully satisfy its users.
Project in development: upcoming features
As it is still in beta, the web version of Apple Maps lacks certain features present on the mobile application. However, Apple clearly shows its ambition to constantly evolve this service. New exploration options, better integration of real-time routes and frequent updates are part of the future plans to ensure Look Around's competitiveness against other mapping services.
With these adjustments, Apple hopes to solidify its position in a market almost hegemonically dominated by Google Maps. The Cupertino giant is striving to prove that it can not only catch up, but also innovate to offer qualitative and original alternatives to users around the world.
Increased accessibility and user-friendliness
To try out the new Look Around, simply visit the Apple Maps website using a supported browser, such as Chrome or Edge. Once on the page, simply type in an address and click the binoculars icon that appears in the bottom left of the screen. This ease of use is key to attracting and retaining a diverse audience, from the curious to the seasoned traveler.
These changes reinforce the relevance of Apple Maps in today’s digital landscape. As the company continues to improve and expand its maps, more users may consider switching to this option over Google Maps, especially given growing concerns about data privacy.
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