Google Maps for iOS Gains Directions Widget for Turn-By-Turn Navigation on Lock Screen

Monday April 17, 2017 3:09 PM PDT by Juli Clover
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.


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
23 comments


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Asarien
32 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.
Rating: 12 Votes
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Kaibelf
32 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.
Rating: 11 Votes
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Statusnone88
32 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.
Rating: 4 Votes
Avatar
69Mustang
32 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.
Rating: 2 Votes
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Steve.P.JobsFan
32 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.


Also came here to say this. I'd rather Waze, but I just want something other than Apple Maps...
Rating: 2 Votes
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WBRacing
32 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.
Rating: 2 Votes
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DoctorDoctor
32 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 ?
Rating: 2 Votes
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Relentless Power
32 months ago

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.


I don't disagree with anything you're saying regarding privacy, data mining, often/opt out. However, you do have to ask yourself, how many individuals actually DO take the time To read the privacy policy in its entirety? Especially when it comes to data mining, it's a touchy subject for those who feel taken advantage of.

(Slight Rant ahead)....

I look at it like in terms of nobody takes the time to read policies UNLESS someone is concerned or disputing after the fact of something that pertains to them, in which case they claim they were ignorant at the time they "Feel" victimized of something that they (Consumers) don't have an understanding of to begin with, yet they acknowledged the policy by adhereing to the policy itself. It's an Oxy-Moron, but someone can't blame ignorance on something they don't understand, when the writing is Directly in front of them.
Rating: 1 Votes
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ATC
32 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 ?


Google maps has driving mode, no? I use it all the time


I may be wrong but I think he means on the lock screen. Apple Maps shows directions there but not Google Maps.
Rating: 1 Votes
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DaPizzaMan
32 months ago

Can't see the maps app within imessage

You'll have to go to the Store and enable it first under the Manage tab.
Rating: 1 Votes
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