Apple has made Apple Maps accessible to Android users, but there is a significant limitation. Instead of releasing a dedicated app for Android devices, Apple has made its Apple Maps website available for use through browsers.
While this means that Android users can at least access the platform, many key features are not included. In contrast, Google has made a variety of its popular apps and services available to Apple users.
While Apple has released a few applications on the Google Play Store, such as Apple Music, Apple Music Classical, and Apple TV, the offerings are rather limited. Other than the Move to iOS app, Apple seems to prefer keeping its key applications exclusive to its iOS ecosystem.
The recent introduction of Apple Maps to Android is a noteworthy but incomplete move. Unfortunately, Android users hoping to download a dedicated Apple Maps app will be disappointed.
Instead, they can only utilize a stripped-down version of the service through a mobile browser. This decision raises questions, as users cannot log in with their Apple accounts to access saved locations, which significantly restricts usability.
The browser version offers very few features, allowing only basic capabilities like searching for locations and getting directions. Without the ability to access saved locations, the appeal of using Apple Maps on Android appears limited.
Although Apple has reportedly been beta testing the browser version for some time, the lack of robust features might hinder its adoption among Android users. Google Maps, with its comprehensive functionality and seamless integration with other Android services, remains a more practical choice for navigating on Android devices.