All New Google Maps Updates Coming to Android and iPhone

However, Google Maps remains the king of navigation applications and mapping services. It's the number one mobile navigation solution, dominating the Android and iPhone ecosystems, as well as the experience in the car with Android Auto and CarPlay versions.

Google keeps improving Google Maps with innovative features on all fronts, so the application evolves regarding the navigation experience while offering improved ways to explore the world.

The latest announcements are living proof Google Maps remains the leading navigation choice, now expanding in the AI space with innovative capabilities.

The new map colors

Not long ago, Google rolled out a visual overhaul of Google Maps, using colors that somehow bring the app closer to Apple Maps.

The updated interface wasn't received well, with many users complaining that distinguishing certain elements, such as lakes and forests, has become more difficult.

Google says the updated colors will soon reach general availability, explaining that the facelift includes additional details, such as realistic buildings while navigating. Driving on highways also includes improved lane details, so you'll have more time to enter the right lane for the next exit.

HOV lane support

Google Maps is also getting support for HOV lanes in the United States. The application will display HOV lane availability when searching for routes, so you can choose your route based on this new criterion.

HOV lanes typically require two or more occupants in a vehicle, and while you can't tell Google Maps how many people are in your car, you can instruct the application to look for routes that include such lanes.

Speed limits

Google is also expanding the speed limit integration in Google Maps with more advanced support for artificial intelligence.

The AI-powered speed limits available in Europe provide users with critical information in Google Maps, even in those places where the traffic signage isn't visible.

Google's artificial intelligence systems use advanced capabilities for every section of the road, such as scanning the Street View imagery specifically to extract speed limit information.

The company says it has trained its AI models to look for various patterns and traffic sign models, so eventually, Google Maps can provide information that isn't even easy to spot on the side of the road. However, you must remember that paying attention to and complying with road signage is mandatory.

Immersive View for routes

As one of the most innovative features ever released by Google, Immersive View allows users to explore the world in a multidimensional simulation that uses an incredible amount of data, including satellite imagery and Street View data. Additionally, it includes expected traffic conditions and weather information to create a more realistic simulation.

Immersive View for routes in Google Maps allows users to preview their routes before starting driving. Thanks to the multidimensional simulation, the feature offers a new way to preview the route so the driver can get familiar with every turn before beginning the journey.

Immersive View for routes needs more time to reach the general availability phase, so it'll debut only for users in certain regions, such as New York, Tokyo, Seattle, and London. Google will expand it to more users gradually.

New features aimed at EVs

Google wants Google Maps to be prepared for the future, so the company can't ignore the EV trend.

The application already displayed charging station information, but beginning with this new infusion of features, Google Maps for Android and iOS borrows an idea previously integrated into Android Automotive to display charger compatibility and charging speed.

Google says there are times when chargers are offline, so Google Maps will show last-used information, allowing users to get an idea regarding the uptime. If someone recently used a charger, the likelihood of the station being up and running is high.

Eco-friendly routes

The eco-friendly routing engine debuted in Google Maps two years ago specifically to allow drivers to navigate to their destinations using a more environmentally friendly approach.

Google Maps previously looked for the fastest route to the destination exclusively, but thanks to this feature, the application also searches for an alternative that allows for a significant cut in vehicle emissions and fuel consumption.

The feature is already available in Europe and the United States, and now Google is bringing it to India, also adding two-wheeler support. It's one of the country's most common means of transportation, so Google Maps supporting it is not a surprise.

The eco-friendly routes are enabled by default in Google Maps on Android and iPhone, but users are still allowed to stick with the fastest routes. However, Google says most users take the eco-friendly route if it doesn't produce a significant impact on the ETA. Since its debut, the eco-friendly support generated a vehicle emission drop equivalent to taking approximately 500,000 vehicles off the road.