Google Maps Rolling Out Live Activities for More iOS Users: Report

Highlights

• Displays next direction, progress bar, and ETA
• Available on Lock Screen and Dynamic Island
• Gradual rollout with limited availability
• Enhances navigation experience for iOS users

Google Maps is gradually rolling out support for Live Activities on iOS, offering users quick access to travel information.

Google Maps live activity on iOS is live! Yess 🙌#GoogleMaps #iOS pic.twitter.com/xaVSz3xSMT

— Megh Rathod (@meghrathod) May 27, 2024

This feature, introduced by Apple in 2022 with iOS 16, allows third-party apps to display real-time information on the lock screen and Dynamic Island of compatible iPhone models.

Live Activities with Google Maps

The Live Activities feature for Google Maps displays:

• Next direction
• Horizontal progress bar
• Estimated time of arrival (ETA)

This information appears on the Lock Screen or Dynamic Island when users start navigation on their iPhone.

Rollout Status

While Google confirmed the feature’s upcoming availability, it has not yet reached all users.

9to5Google’s report, suggests that over the past two months, more iOS users have gained access to Live Activities in Google Maps.

The feature appears available in multiple regions and languages, including India.

However, the rollout remains limited, with no official word from Google on when it will be available to all iOS users.

We were unable to access Live Activities on the latest versions of iOS and Google Maps from the App Store.

Other Apps with Live Activities

While Google Maps is still testing the feature, several other third-party apps have already implemented Live Activities support.

These include:

• Uber
• Zomato
• Swiggy
• FotMob
• Gentler Streak
• Forest
• Lumy

Potential Impact and User Benefits

The addition of Live Activities to Google Maps could significantly enhance the user experience for iOS users.

By providing real-time navigation information at a glance, without the need to unlock the phone or open the app, it can make journeys smoother and safer.

This is particularly useful for drivers who need to keep their eyes on the road.

Furthermore, the integration with Dynamic Island on supported iPhone models offers a seamless way to access navigation information while using other apps.

This could be particularly beneficial for multitasking users who need to check messages or change music while following directions.

Google continues to refine and expand this feature, demonstrating the company’s commitment to improving its services across different operating systems.

FAQs

What is the Live Activities feature in Google Maps?

The Live Activities feature in Google Maps displays real-time navigation information such as the next direction, a horizontal progress bar, and the estimated time of arrival (ETA) on the Lock Screen or Dynamic Island of compatible iPhone models.

When will Live Activities be available to all iOS users?

While Google has confirmed the upcoming availability of Live Activities for Google Maps, the rollout is gradual and not yet available to all users.

There is no official word from Google on the exact timeline for complete availability.

Which iPhone models support Live Activities for Google Maps?

Live Activities are supported on iPhone models compatible with iOS 16, which introduced this feature in 2022. Users need to update their iPhone and Google Maps app to the latest versions to access this feature.

How do Live Activities enhance the navigation experience on iOS?

Live Activities provide real-time navigation information directly on the Lock Screen or Dynamic Island, allowing users to access important travel details without unlocking their phone or opening the app, thus making journeys smoother and safer.

What other apps support Live Activities on iOS?

Several third-party apps, including Uber, Zomato, Swiggy, FotMob, Gentler Streak, Forest, and Lumy, have already implemented Live Activities support, offering real-time updates and information on the Lock Screen or Dynamic Island.

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