Google Maps for iOS was today updated to version 4.30.0, introducing a new Directions Widget that allows Google Maps users to access turn-by-turn navigation directly on the lock screen of the iPhone.

The widget can be enabled by going to the Today View of the Notification Center, scrolling down to the "Edit" button, and then enabling Google Directions. Once turned on, turn-by-turn navigation directions will be available through the widget in the Notification Center, which can be accessed by swiping right on the lock screen.

googleimessage
Today's update also introduces a new Google Maps iMessage app that's designed to let users send their current location to friends and family members without the need to leave the Messages app.

The new Google Maps Messages app can be enabled through the Messages App Store. When installed, it establishes the user's location and then allows that information to be shared right in Messages.

Along with the new widget and Messages app, the new version of Google Maps also includes unspecified bug fixes.

Google Maps can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Tags: Google, Google Maps

Top Rated Comments

Asarien Avatar
Asarien
115 months ago
I wish Apple and Google would get over their foolishness and allow Google Maps CarPlay integration.

Even though I prefer Apple Maps, when it comes to navigation, the option to have a backup would be nice.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kaibelf Avatar
Kaibelf
115 months ago
Short memories here. Remember that the whole reason Apple ended up doing their own maps instead of just sticking with Google is because Google refused at the time to allow turn by turn directions on iOS and also demanded the ability to serve ads and get customer info, which Apple refused to provide. It's not "foolishness" on Apple's part to refuse to make a privacy-compromising exception to their own rules for a single company, and it certainly isn't Apple's fault that Google tried to build in a competitive edge for another platform. I'm personally very happy Apple went through the trouble and tremendous expense rather than freely opt everyone into Google's data harvesting. If you want to give your info to Google, fine but I would expect it to be completely opt-in with no gray area, and Apple doesn't have to provide a vehicle for their biggest competitor.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Statusnone88 Avatar
Statusnone88
115 months ago
I wish Apple and Google would get over their foolishness and allow Google Maps CarPlay integration.

Even though I prefer Apple Maps, when it comes to navigation, the option to have a backup would be nice.
Came here to say this. But I absolutely despise Apple Maps.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DoctorDoctor Avatar
DoctorDoctor
115 months ago
I wish Google would add Driving Mode to Google Maps for iOS. I can't really see how the widget would help me. If I am driving and need directions I would rather just have the Maps app open. Or am I missing something ?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CarpalMac Avatar
CarpalMac
115 months ago
Despite what the zealots say, Apple maps is nowhere near as good as a global product as GMaps. I travel over 3000miles most months and as a fact here, while AMaps is much improved, it is still unreliable and lacks a lot of key information. Waze (Google owned) is the best in my experience, though it does lack lane selection graphics which would be handy.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
69Mustang Avatar
69Mustang
115 months ago
Short memories here. Remember that the whole reason Apple ended up doing their own maps instead of just sticking with Google is because Google refused at the time to allow turn by turn directions on iOS and also demanded the ability to serve ads and get customer info, which Apple refused to provide. It's not "foolishness" on Apple's part to refuse to make a privacy-compromising exception to their own rules for a single company, and it certainly isn't Apple's fault that Google tried to build in a competitive edge for another platform. I'm personally very happy Apple went through the trouble and tremendous expense rather than freely opt everyone into Google's data harvesting. If you want to give your info to Google, fine but I would expect it to be completely opt-in with no gray area, and Apple doesn't have to provide a vehicle for their biggest competitor.
Any mention of Google on this forum inevitably leads to someone moaning about privacy. Before doing so, I wish people would actually read Apple's privacy policy. If they did, they'd see that Apple and Google collect and use your information, personal and non-personal, in the exact same ways; including advertising. It's all right there for anyone who wants to discern fact from fiction. And just like with Google, any desire to bypass data mining is an opt-out situation, not opt-in.

I agree with you completely about opt-in, btw. I wish they all (Apple, Google, MS, etc.) were opt-in. They're not. They're pretty much all opt-out. To single out one seems disingenuous when they're all doing the same thing.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments

Popular Stories

Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra Screen

Apple's CarPlay Ultra to Expand to These Vehicle Brands Later This Year

Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. In his Powe...
Read Full Article • 88 comments
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
We are still waiting for the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to come out, so the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week or two away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
Read Full Article • 30 comments
Apple Logo Black

Apple's Next Launch is 'Imminent'

Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by
The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models. "All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...
Read Full Article
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

New MacBook Pros Reportedly Launching Alongside macOS 26.3

Sunday February 1, 2026 5:42 am PST by
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips alongside macOS 26.3, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "Apple's faster MacBook Pros are planned for the macOS 26.3 release cycle," wrote Gurman, in his Power On newsletter today. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated for the macOS 26.3 software cycle, which runs from...
Read Full Article • 141 comments
iOS 26 Home Feature

Apple Gives Final Warning to Home App Users

Tuesday February 3, 2026 8:55 am PST by
In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching. In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...
Read Full Article • 63 comments