Google Maps will roll out some useful (and important) updates for your iPhone in the coming weeks. Read in this article what to expect.
Google Maps update: three handy new functions
Google Maps, the navigation app from Google, will gradually roll out three major updates in the coming weeks. You can calculate estimates of the price of toll roads with Google Maps. This is extremely convenient for the traveler on a budget. A new map will also make navigating more enjoyable. Finally, the app will also receive a number of new functions especially for the iPhone.
Google Maps softens the financial blow of toll roads
Some users have been seeing this feature in Google Maps for a year now. The competitor of Apple Maps will make estimates of your costs on toll roads. This feature is extremely useful for the traveler who needs to keep an eye on spending. Google previously showed the option to completely avoid toll roads when calculating the route. Now you can choose for yourself which toll road you do want to pay and which you prefer to avoid.
Google Maps uses the data from the local road authorities. The app takes into account various payment methods, the traffic on the road and the day (and time) on which you travel. These factors ultimately determine the estimation of your toll costs. The feature will first be tested on the roads of the United States, India, Indonesia and Japan. Other countries will follow soon, according to Google.
An update of the navigation function on your iPhone
In addition to the toll roads, Google Maps is also working hard to improve the details of the streets. The navigation function will therefore show traffic lights and stop signs in the future. Recognizable buildings along your route will also be more clearly marked. This way you will never take a wrong turn again. In addition, the shape of the road and the width of the adjacent cycle path can be seen in the navigation function of Google Maps in the future.
These details will be available for Apple’s Android, iOS, Android Auto and CarPlay. Unfortunately only in certain countries. It is unclear when this update of Google Maps will come to the Dutch iPhone.
Especially for Apple: iOS update of Google Maps
In the coming weeks, three Google Maps functions will also appear especially for Apple devices. With this update, we see a special revision of the Google Maps widget for the iPhone. This shows your journey, your arrival time and of course the route description itself. The search function in this widget has also been reduced so that you can navigate directly to your favorite destination with one tap on the home screen.
In addition, the Apple Watch will receive a very nice update. This will immediately show the route description. So you no longer have to focus on your iPhone or take it out of your pocket every time. You can also easily activate the ‘bring me home’ function of the Apple smartwatch in the future. Navigating suddenly becomes a lot more social!
As a last function especially for Apple, Google will support Siri and Spotlight more broadly. “Hey Siri, get directions” is then enough to quickly start navigating.
These features will be rolled out by Google in the coming months. We’ll let you know when these are available for your iPhone and Apple Watch! For that you have to sign up for our newsletter or our app Downloadand†