Apple Maps is still only officially available on Apple devices, which means Windows and Android users don’t even have a chance to try it out on their computers and smartphones. That said, there is a workaround that lets you use it on Windows, Linux, Android, and just about any non-Apple device. So, if this sounds interesting to you, read on to learn how to 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 the default mapping software. Which means you can switch from Google to DuckDuckGo to access Apple Maps on your web browser on just about any connected device, regardless of brand or operating platform. There are obvious limitations, but the trick works on 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 navigate to DuckDuckGo.com. Now search for any location and click Maps at the top of the page.
- To get driving or walking directions to this location, click the button directions button just below the “related images” section.
- You can also view local businesses on a map, but you’ll need to share your location using the map pin icon [1] in the upper right corner of the map. To switch to satellite imagery, click on the icon Satellite insert [2] in the lower left corner of the map.
To note: If you don’t feel comfortable sharing your real location, find out how you can fake your geolocation on any web browser, including Chrome, Firefox, and Edge..
Use Apple Maps on Android smartphones and tablets
You can also use the same method to use Apple Maps on Android devices. I’m using privacy-focused Firefox Focus (free) for the demo below, but the process is the same on Chrome, Edge, and standard Firefox.
- Visit DuckDuckGo on any mobile browser and search for a location. Then click on Maps at the top to access Apple Maps. Click on Open map to see the location on Apple Maps or select directions on the next page to see a route mapped out for you.
- Like on Windows, you can see directions for walking and driving. Note that to use the “Navigate” feature, you will need to use the Apple Maps app on an iPhone. On an Android device, you will be asked to open the link on 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. While you can still use its full mapping potential, the experience is nowhere near as comprehensive and feature-rich as Google Maps. First, there’s no built-in support for route planning, which means you can’t really use this service to pre-plan a trip and plot your route in advance.
Also, the browser-based interface lacks the interactivity you get on Google Maps, Bing Maps, or HERE Maps. Finally, you also won’t get transit or traffic information, both of which are critically important to using a digital map service around 2021. Although Apple offers everything this in its mapping service, you will need to use the official Apple Maps App service on iPhone and iPad to access it.
DuckDuckGo brings Apple Cards to all non-Apple devices
Although Google Maps is the gold standard for map services, many swear by Apple Maps, which has come a long way since its launch in 2012. Now that you know how to use it on any non-Apple device using the privacy-focused DuckDuckGo search engine, give it a try and see if you find it more user-friendly than Google Maps. Once you have tried it, let us know your thoughts about it by leaving a comment below.
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