autoevolution
 

Google Silently Improves Google Maps UI on iPhone, CarPlay Update Expected Too

Google has silently refined the Google Maps user interface on iOS devices, and the new update is now rolling out to iPhones and iPads across the world.
More polished UI in Google Maps for iOS 1 photo
Photo: reddit user 4kVHS
The more polished UI concerns the information that is displayed during navigation, and this can only be good news for those who use Google Maps on their iPhones when driving.

Both the navigation instructions and the ETA details are now displayed in smaller boxes with round corners that no longer eat up the entire screen. A comparison screenshot that was published on reddit shows the old version side by side with the new version, and without a doubt, the new design is great news for everyone because it allows for a bigger screen estate for the map itself.

The new update brings the same improvements to the iPhone as well, as part of the latest Google Maps update.

In addition to this slightly polished UI in Google Maps, Google is also likely working on updating the app with dashboard support for CarPlay.

Apple unlocked the navigation card on the CarPlay dashboard to third parties with the release of iOS 13.4, and now the only thing that’s left is for devs to update their apps with support for this feature. Google is likely to release support for the dashboard in CarPlay in the coming updates of Google Maps (and Waze too), although for now, no ETA is available.

However, the good news is that Google is improving the navigation side of Google Maps on both Android and iOS, and this is clearly welcome given it is one of the most popular apps that drivers use behind the wheel.

At the same time, it’s also working on further improving the traffic navigation app Waze, with some of the Google Maps features also migrating to this app. Lane guidance inspired by the one in Google Maps is projected to go live in Waze in a coming stable update.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Bogdan Popa
Bogdan Popa profile photo

Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories