Google Maps iOS Update: Live Location Sharing & More

Google Maps Enhancements for iOS Users

Google Maps has recently unveiled three significant updates specifically for its iOS application. These additions – live location sharing within the iMessage app, a dedicated traffic widget for the home screen, and the implementation of dark mode – are designed to strengthen Google Maps’ position as a leading navigation solution and a direct competitor to Apple’s native Apple Maps.

Live Location Sharing via iMessage

Sharing your real-time location was previously possible through Google Maps. Users could access this functionality by tapping the blue dot representing their current position, enabling them to share their estimated time of arrival (ETA) and remaining phone battery with chosen contacts.

However, the new Google Maps iMessage widget streamlines this process, allowing for effortless location sharing directly within your conversations, without the need to switch applications. By default, location sharing is active for one hour, though this duration can be extended up to three days. Sharing can be instantly stopped by tapping the designated “stop” button on the shared thumbnail.

Enhanced iMessage Integration and Apple Maps Competition

Previously, the Google Maps iMessage widget facilitated the sending of static GPS coordinates. However, this was less practical for coordinating meetups compared to sharing a dynamic, live location. Recognizing this, Google has emulated a feature already present in Apple Maps, aiming to surpass its competitor’s capabilities.

For a considerable period, Google Maps was widely regarded as the superior navigation application. However, Apple undertook a complete reconstruction of Maps in 2018, significantly enhancing its competitiveness. Furthermore, with the rollout of iOS 15, Apple Maps is set to introduce augmented reality (AR) functionality, improved public transit information, and more detailed map data, among other advancements.

Traffic Widget and Dark Mode

In 2019, Google Maps incorporated traffic and incident reporting features similar to those found in Waze, increasing its appeal to daily commuters. The application highlights its ability to display real-time traffic conditions as a key benefit.

Now, iOS users with the latest version of Google Maps can add a traffic widget to their home screen, providing quick access to current traffic information. This widget also allows users to save frequently visited locations – such as home, work, or gas stations – and initiate navigation to these destinations with a single tap. Dark mode, already available on Android, will also be extended to iOS users in the coming weeks.

Competition from Snapchat and Google Maps’ User Base

The competition in the navigation app landscape extends beyond Google and Apple, with Snapchat emerging as an unexpected contender. Snapchat’s Snap Map offers a more socially-oriented experience. Recently, Snapchat introduced the “My Places” feature, assisting users in discovering new locations based on the activities of other users in their vicinity.

Snapchat reported substantial growth in both revenue and daily active users during the second quarter of 2021, achieving its highest rates in four years. Despite this, Google Maps maintains a substantial user base, exceeding 1 billion users worldwide as of last year.