Skip to main content

FruityMaps lets you try out Apple’s upcoming MapKit web API now

Not soon after the news of Apple potentially opening MapKit as a web API, creative developer Tim Broddin has gone ahead and developed a proof of concept showing what that experience might look like in the future. Fruity Maps mimics a very basic Apple Maps view similar to what you’ve likely encountered with embedded web versions of Google Maps. While it’s missing most features that would make it fully usable (such as pins and searching), it gives us a very nice idea of the extent that Apple Maps might be utilized by developers on a desktop experience.

Our own Benjamin Mayo questioned why Apple would be want to be opening up the MapKit API across the web. After some searching he was able to validate that the code appears to be logically structured and well written enough that a public API did not appear soon off. This seems to be the case as Broddin was able to quickly build out a prototype using the yet to be announced API.

In its current iteration, Fruity Maps allows you explore around the world through Apple Maps’ eyes. Upon launch, the site centers in on San Francisco, but you have the option to move around the map and visit into other areas. Though, with a current lack of search functionality you’re locked into only clicking and dragging to move about the map. Pressing the triangle below the zoom level controls will bring the map to your current location in the world and allow you to easily explore that area. Broddin left a message at the top of the site indicating he will be adding some neat stuff soon, so keep an eye out for that.

There’s no telling how long the site will be up or have access to the unofficial API, so be sure to take a look at Fruity Maps while you can.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

  1. johnmfoley - 8 years ago

    Apple should put out a Google.com clone called Siri.com. They own the domain. It could have web access to Siri Search, Maps, News, Apple Music and iTunes in the Cloud and links/log-in to iCloud for storage and other files. It would be pretty awesome.

  2. heads up i just got a notification that malware might be on that site link

  3. I find scrolling much faster than Google maps

    • Greg Barbosa - 8 years ago

      Most likely because these tools are still new. Will be interesting to see how Apple handles this system in the future.

  4. Igor Śródka (@Igorr29) - 8 years ago

    It’s oddly outdated in comparison to original Apple Maps on iOS/OS X in my area.