Apple Maps is still officially only available on Apple devices; This means that Windows and Android users don’t even have the option to try it on their computers and smartphones. However, there is a workaround that lets you use it on Windows, Linux, Android, and pretty much any non-Apple device. If that sounds interesting, read on to learn how you can use Apple Maps on Windows, Linux, and Android devices using the privacy-focused search engine DuckDuckGo.
Use Apple Maps on Windows, Linux and Android
DuckDuckGo uses Apple Maps instead of Google Maps as its default mapping software. This means you can switch from Google to DuckDuckGo to access Apple Maps in your web browser on almost any connected device, regardless of brand or operating platform. There are some obvious limitations, but the cheat works in all popular web browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera and Safari.
Use Apple Maps on Windows PCs
- Open any web browser on your Windows PC and DuckDuckGo.com. Now search anywhere and click maps at the top of the page.
- To get driving or walking directions to this location, click on it. Instructions Press the button just below the ‘related images’ section.
- You can also view local businesses on a map, but you must share your location using the following. map pin icon [1] in the upper right corner of the map. To switch to satellite view, click on it. Satellite inset [2] in the lower left corner of the map.
Note: If you’re uncomfortable sharing your real location, learn how to spoof your geolocation in any web browser, including Chrome, Firefox, and Edge..
Using Apple Maps on Android Smartphones and Tablets
You can also use the same method to use Apple Maps on Android devices. I’m using Firefox Focus, which is privacy-focused (Free) for the demo below, but the process is the same in Chrome, Edge and standard Firefox.
- Visit DuckDuckGo in any mobile browser and search for a location. Then click on maps Click on the top to access Apple Maps Open Map To see the location in Apple Maps, or Instructions See a route mapped for you on the next page.
- As with Windows, you can see directions to drive as well as walk. Note that you will need to use the Apple Maps app on an iPhone to use the ‘navigation’ feature. On an Android device, you will be prompted to open the link in Google Maps.
Limitations When Using Apple Maps on Non-Apple Devices
Using DuckDuckGo will let you get a taste of Apple Maps on any non-Apple device, including Windows, Linux, and Android. However, the experience is far from perfect. Nowhere is the experience as complete and feature-packed as with Google Maps, while continuing to tap into its full mapping potential. First, there is no built-in support for route planning, so you can’t really use this service to pre-plan a trip and pre-plan your route.
Also, the browser-based interface lacks the interaction you get on Google Maps, Bing Maps or HERE Maps. Finally, you won’t get any information about public transport or traffic, which is crucial for using a digital map service around 2021. While Apple offers all of this in its maps service, you’ll have to use the official service. Apple Maps app on iPhones and iPads to access this.
DuckDuckGo Brings Apple Maps to All Non-Apple Devices
While Google Maps is the gold standard for map services, many people swear by Apple Maps, which has come a long way since its launch in 2012. Now you know how to use it on any non-Apple device using the privacy-focused DuckDuckGo search. Give it a try and see if you find it more user-friendly than Google Maps. Once you’ve tried it, let us know your impressions about it by leaving a comment below.
