Google Maps Testing Live Activities on iPhone

For iPhone users who rely on Google Maps for navigation, a long-awaited feature is finally on the horizon. Google is currently testing Live Activities integration with Google Maps on iPhones. This exciting development promises to revolutionize the way iPhone users experience turn-by-turn navigation.

Read In Short:

• Google Maps is currently testing Live Activities on iPhones, bringing real-time navigation updates to the lock screen and Dynamic Island.
• This feature, long available on Android, will allow iPhone users to see their glanceable directions without unlocking their phone.
• Live Activities for Google Maps is expected to improve the navigation experience for iPhone users, offering a more convenient and safer way to get around.

What are Live Activities Google Maps iPhone?

Live Activities are a powerful feature introduced in iOS 16 that allows apps to display real-time updates on the lock screen and Dynamic Island (on iPhone 14 Pro models). With Google Maps testing Live Activities on iPhone, users can expect to see their navigation progress, including the next turn, estimated arrival time, and traffic updates, directly on their lock screen without needing to unlock their phone and open the app.

How will Live Activities Work with Google Maps on iPhone?

While the specific functionalities are still under testing, here’s a general idea of how Live Activities might work with Google Maps on iPhone:

• Lock Screen Navigation: When using Google Maps for navigation, an iPhone Live Activities bar will appear on your lock screen. This bar will display essential information like the next turn, remaining distance, and estimated arrival time.
• Dynamic Island Navigation (iPhone 14 Pro only): For iPhone 14 Pro users, navigation details like the next turn icon and estimated arrival time might be displayed within Dynamic Island, offering a more glanceable view.
• Real-time Updates: The Live Activities bar will update dynamically throughout your journey, reflecting traffic conditions and adjusting the estimated arrival time accordingly.

How to Enable Live Activities for Google Maps on iPhone

While Google Maps with Live Activities is still under testing on iPhone, there’s one setting you can adjust that might increase your chances of experiencing it. Here’s a quick guide:

Step 1: Open the Google Maps app on your iPhone.

Step 2: Tap on your profile picture or avatar in the top right corner.

Step 3: Select “Settings” from the menu.

Step 4: Go to the “Navigation” section within Settings.

Step 5: Look for “Glanceable directions while navigating” and toggle it ON.

Important Note: Enabling “Glanceable directions while navigating” doesn’t guarantee access to the Live Activities test. However, it keeps the setting active in case Google rolls out the feature to your account during the testing phase.

Benefits of Live Activities for Google Maps on iPhone

The integration of Live Activities with Google Maps on iPhone offers several benefits to users:

• Enhanced Convenience: No more fumbling to unlock your phone and open the app to check navigation details. With Live Activities, all the crucial information is readily available on the lock screen, allowing you to stay focused on the road.
• Improved Safety: By keeping your eyes on the road and minimizing phone interaction, Live Activities can significantly enhance navigation safety.
• Glanceable Navigation: A glance at the lock screen or Dynamic Island provides all the necessary information, reducing distractions and improving focus while driving.
• Real-time Awareness: Live updates on traffic conditions and estimated arrival times ensure you’re always aware of any delays and can adjust your plans accordingly.

When will Google Maps Live Activities be Available on iPhone?

There’s no official release date for Live Activities on Google Maps for iPhone yet. Google first teased the feature in early 2023, but the rollout never materialized. The current testing phase suggests a potential future release, but a specific timeframe remains unknown.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Google Maps testing Live Activities on iPhone is a promising development for iPhone users. This integration offers the potential for a more convenient and safe navigation experience with glanceable directions on the lock screen and Dynamic Island (iPhone 14 Pro). While the official release date for Live Activities, Google Maps iPhone remains unknown, enabling “Glanceable directions while navigating” might grant you early access to this exciting new feature.

Google Maps Testing Live Activities – FAQs

What are Live Activities Google Maps iPhone?

Live Activities is a feature that allows Google Maps to display real-time navigation updates on the iPhone lock screen and Dynamic Island.

When will Google Maps Live Activities be available on iPhone?

There’s no official release date yet. The ongoing testing suggests a potential future release.

How will Live Activities work with Google Maps on iPhone?

Live Activities will likely display a bar on the lock screen showing the next turn, distance, and estimated arrival time. iPhone 14 Pro users might also see navigation details within the Dynamic Island.

What are the benefits of Live Activities for Google Maps on iPhone?

Live Activities offer convenience, improved safety, glanceable navigation, and real-time traffic updates.