DuckDuckGo Enhances Apple Maps Integration, Including Dark Mode

DuckDuckGo has been using Apple Maps to power map-related searches on both desktop and mobile since January, and today the privacy-focused search engine announced further improvements to that integration.

First, when switching to DuckDuckGo's dark theme, Apple Maps now also automatically switches to a dark appearance.

DuckDuckGo has also added a dedicated Maps tab at the top of every search results page. Previously, this shortcut was only displayed for map-related searches, but it now appears for any search queries. For example, if you searched for "cupcakes," the Maps tab might display local bakeries that sell them.

Whereas previously each new map-related search required returning to the default DuckDuckGo search page upon completion, a search field has now been added that allows users to refine local searches instantly.

Last is intelligent autocomplete within the expanded map view. Updating or typing new search queries will now dynamically show you search suggestions that are tailored to the local region displayed. For example, as you type "coffee," search suggestions related to coffee will appear within the map area in view.

These enhancements are available now on both desktop and mobile versions of DuckDuckGo.com.

DuckDuckGo does not collect or share any personal information from DuckDuckGo users, a policy that extends to the ‌Apple Maps‌ integration. Identifiable info like IP addresses are not provided to Apple, and for searches where approximate location is gathered by the browser, it is discarded immediately after it's used.

Tags: Apple Maps Guide, DuckDuckGo

Top Rated Comments

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BaracksPhallusPalace

8 months ago

I love DuckDuckGo's focus on personal privacy.

But sadly its usage, acceptance and popularity will never reach even 2% of Google's marketshare as long as they keep the silly, cumbersome name. Regardless of how many great features they add (to make it parity competitive with other search engines).

Lots of people I know use ddg instead of google... It's gotten a lot better over the years.

Rating: 16 Votes

Pafoofnik

8 months ago

Yes. How true. Maybe they should choose a more serious name. How about something like "Google"? Choosing a corporate name that sounds like a baby choking on applesauce must've been done by serious people intent on doing no evil, like collecting user data without permission and then selling it, or spying through smartphone operating systems, or refusing to list search results that don't meet their politically correct criteria.

Rating: 10 Votes

redgreenski

8 months ago

I use duck duck go everyday now for at least 3 years or more. In general I found results to be same or better than google.

Rating: 9 Votes

PastaPrimav

8 months ago

I wish DuckDuckGo's search results didn't suck.

I switched everything to DuckDuckGo more than a year ago...then while working on projects and furiously searching for answers to programming issues...I started searching Google when I couldn't find what I was looking for (often) and started finding my results immediately.

Sorry to say but I've begrudgingly switched back to Google. I don't want to use anything Google, but I cannot have my time utterly wasted with DuckDuckGo's poor search capability.

Rating: 7 Votes

twintin

8 months ago

Exactly same issues I have had with DDG and hence have also switched back to Google.

Rating: 7 Votes

Weaselboy

8 months ago

I don't want to use anything Google, but I cannot have my time utterly wasted with DuckDuckGo's poor search capability.

https://www.startpage.com

Give Startpage a look. It gets you Google results without the Google tracking.

Rating: 5 Votes

Solomani

8 months ago

Rating: 4 Votes

ipedro

8 months ago

I would love it if DuckDuckGo had tighter integration with iOS, appearing in Siri search results and harmonizing its design language. I’ve tried using it as my default search engine and while the search results were adequate, the design looks amateurish and clashes with the clean look of iOS.

I’ve all but removed all Google products from my iPhone and iPad but nothing beats Google as a search engine. DuckDuckGo has the potential to replace it in the Apple ecosystem. Integrating Apple Maps is a great start. Building in the San Francisco font and iOS design elements would be a good next move.

Rating: 4 Votes

LogicalApex

8 months ago

Both startpage.com and DDG send trackers to themselves for “improving” their service. Instead of giving information to Google, you’d rather give your information to one of these other companies. In both cases, you’re giving information away about yourself in a form either direct or indirectly.

That's a disingenuous comparison. DDG and SP track clicks on results to help improve the service by knowing which results are actually relevant, but they don't have any personal information to tie this too. Google on the other hand has endless bounds of personal information to tie this to (everything from a user being logged into Google services to Google's tracking across the web) that allows them to not only know which results are relevant across the population, but also how individual users are responding to ads.

You're comparing a door counter at your local mall store to an ankle bracelet from your local parole board. Both of these will tell us that you went to the local Staples yesterday, but only one of them can tell us how often you go there and has enough data to tell us why.

Rating: 4 Votes

PastaPrimav

8 months ago

I use duck duck go everyday now for at least 3 years or more. In general I found results to be same or better than google.

Well since I'm confident you're not manually comparing every search you do, I'm sure you have no idea what you're talking about.

DuckDuckGo has a lot of attractive attributes and quality search results is not one of them.

Rating: 3 Votes

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