Apple Maps on Android and Windows PC

Over the years, Apple’s native Maps app has greatly improved; now packs some amazing noteworthy features like Look Around and Bike Directions. However, it is still available exclusively for Apple devices.

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But what if you use an iOS / macOS device together with a non-Apple device? And if you wish to explore and use Apple Maps on your Android phone, Windows PC, or tablet? Well, we know how to read on.

Use DuckDuckGo to open Apple Maps on any non-Apple device

To use Apple Maps on Windows or Android, use one of the most popular privacy-focused search engines, DuckDuckGo. The platform uses Apple Maps as its default mapping software to maintain privacy.

So when you pass the web browser search engine at DuckDuckGo, you get nearly unlimited access to Apple Maps; let’s see how:

How to use Apple Maps on Windows PC

  1. Open a web browser of your choice and go up DuckDuckGo.com.
  2. Type the location or address in the search bar e click go (magnifying glass icon).
  3. Here, select Maps from the option displayed just below the search bar.
  4. Click on the tab Indications road to get indications by car or on foot.

Note: the trick works with all popular web browsers, Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Edge, and even Safari, no matter what device you’re using.

Apple Maps on Android

  1. Launch the web browser of your choice and open DuckDuckGo.
  2. Type the location or address to map and touch the icon of the magnifying glass.
  3. Select the option Maps and touch Indications road for driving or walking instructions.

Note: Since your device does not have the Apple Maps app, the navigation will be diverted to Google Maps or any other map app you prefer.

Apple Maps Suggestions for Browser Viewing

Why stop and explore an area map when DuckDuckGo has some perks up its sleeve. Here’s what they are

Refine your search

When searching for a location or address, you can also narrow it down further based on particular points of interest such as restaurants, hotels, groceries, train stations, ATMs, etc.

Satellite view:

This is pretty damn simple! Simply tap the small map image on the page to switch between Map and Satellite views.

Dark mode:

In the version for smartphone or tablet, the platform automatically adapts to the system setting. And if you want the PC version to have a dark mode, click the hamburger icon ( icon three lines) on the main page → All settingsAppearance. Here, change the background color code to # 000000, and that’s it!

Apple Maps limitation on Android and Windows

While the integration of DuckDuckGo with Apple Maps allows you to view and explore maps, it does not offer a complete or comprehensive experience;

  • No navigation: as explained above, the navigation part is diverted to Google Maps, Bing Maps or Here Maps, depending on the settings.
  • Unable to plan a route: it is not possible to track or pin a location via the web interface, so it is quite useless when it comes to route planning.
  • No traffic or public transport support: although Apple offers these services in its Maps app, the web version, unfortunately, does not support the feature.

While it certainly seems intriguing and a little mischievous to use Apple Maps on Windows and Android devices, the limitations outweigh the benefits.

But since the process isn’t as complex or time-consuming and is more privacy-oriented than Google Maps, I suggest using it.