Google today announced an incoming update to its Google Maps for iOS app that will let users add pit stops onto their trips without leaving navigation mode. First introduced on Android last fall, the company said that the pit stop feature will be available in any country where Google Maps navigation is offered, which is "more than 100 worldwide."

From navigation mode, users will just need to tap the magnifying glass located in the top right corner of Google Maps to see a drop down menu of potential pit stops to add to a trip. The menu offers a few automatic options like restaurants and coffee shops, but a search field gives users a more robust option for specifically finding their desired pit stop.

Google Maps pit stop

Life is full of the unexpected—things that send us scrambling for a gas station in the middle of nowhere, looking up a florist on our way home from work or searching for a restaurant as we tour the back roads of our latest vacation destination. Finding and navigating to these last-minute pit stops used to force you out of navigation mode in Google Maps—and away from the traffic updates, turn-by-turn directions and map you rely on to stay on track.

Similar to Android, the new function on iOS details both the public rating of the pit stop and the amount of time the detour will add onto a trip, letting users select the best-rated and quickest pit stop beforehand. Prior to the update, Google Maps users would have to manually discover and find a potential pit stop, navigate to the location, and when ready to leave, re-start their original route navigation.

The company said the new update to Google Maps [Direct Link] will see its worldwide rollout to iOS users starting today.

Top Rated Comments

Corrode Avatar
95 months ago
Handy. Google Maps just keeps getting better.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
tazinlwfl Avatar
95 months ago
Apple Maps needs this ASAP, especially with how much Yelp data is on Maps.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BuffaloTF Avatar
95 months ago
Finally someone's doing this genius feature. My biggest headache with GPS navigation. "Turn right. *drives straight* in 50 feet, do a U-Turn. Then turn left. *repeat nonstop*" No bossy GPS lady. I'm just stopping at the gas station!
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CheesePuff Avatar
95 months ago
I prefer Google Maps still over Apple Maps. Includes gas prices, better navigation (Apple will not always detour properly for traffic), I just wish it could auto turn on the display and show the next upcoming turn.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gsmornot Avatar
95 months ago
I have no idea why this is not part of these mapping systems. My black and white screen Garmin had it years ago, like 10 plus years ago.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Muscle Master Avatar
95 months ago
Wish Apple just can Apple maps and go iOS and google maps integration
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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