The biggest Google Maps update in years is coming

Google is completely revamping Google Maps. Immersive Navigation is giving the popular navigation app a fresh new look. And with Ask Maps, you can now ask conversational questions, thanks to Google Gemini AI integration.

What changes will Immersive Navigation bring?

Driving is set to become less stressful with help from the new Immersive Navigation feature. Google describes it as the biggest update in over a decade: “a complete transformation of the navigation experience, with redesigned visuals and more intuitive guidance. This update helps you stay focused and informed on the road, with fresh, real-world information and natural directions that prepare you for the drive ahead”.

Google Maps is now set to display a “vivid” 3D view that reflects the buildings, flyovers and terrain around you. Where helpful, Maps highlights key road details such as lanes, pedestrian crossings, traffic lights and stop signs, so you can turn or merge safely.

According to Google, this spatial understanding of your route is made possible by Gemini models, which analyse real-world images from Street View and aerial imagery to provide you with an accurate view of features along your route, such as landmarks and central reservations.

In addition to this visual redesign, Google also promises functional improvements:

To help you know what lies ahead, the map now offers a more comprehensive preview of your route. Smart zooms and transparent buildings are designed to help you look ahead, so you can prepare in good time for tricky bends and lane changes.

Google has also updated its voice guidance to make it sound more natural. So, if you miss two motorway exits, you’ll hear, “Go past this exit and take the next exit for XY”, accompanied by helpful visual cues that clearly highlight your next move.

Road conditions are constantly changing. Maps now also informs you of the pros and cons of alternative routes, such as a longer journey with less traffic or a quicker journey involving tolls.

Before you set off, you can use Street View images to get an overview of your destination and the surrounding area, and receive recommendations for parking. As you approach your destination, Maps shows you the building entrance, nearby parking options and the correct side of the road, so you can confidently navigate the final turn to the front door.

When will Immersive Navigation be available?

Google is now rolling out Immersive Navigation in the US. Over the coming months, Google plans to expand Immersive Navigation to compatible iOS and Android devices, CarPlay, Android Auto and vehicles with inbuilt Google.

Ask Maps: Ask questions in natural language

You should now be able to ask the navigation app questions in natural phrasing. Google gives the following example: “My phone is dying – where can I charge it without having to wait in a long line for coffee?”

As another example, if you ask, “I’m driving to the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Coral Dunes – any recommended stops along the way?” Google Maps will provide directions, estimated arrival times and insider tips from other people, such as how to find a hidden hiking trail or get a free ticket.

Google writes: “To build your itinerary, Maps analyzes information from over 300 million places, including reviews from our community of more than 500 million contributors.”

Google Maps provides answers in the form of a conversation, as well as on a personalised map where you can visualise your options. Maps takes your known preferences into account in its answers (for example, if you’re a vegetarian, Google Maps won’t direct you to a steakhouse), as well as previous search queries.

When will Ask Maps be available?

Ask Maps is initially launching only in the US and India, for Android and iOS. The desktop application is set to follow soon.