Augmented reality walking directions in Google Maps got a step closer today with news that a beta version of the AR feature will be rolling out to users of the app over the next couple of weeks (via TechCrunch).

Google Maps Live View AR feature
Google revealed AR walking directions earlier this year, when it launched an early alpha mode for Google Pixel owners and users of Google Maps Local Guides, but now it's making the feature available for all Google Maps users with ARKit-compatible devices (iPhone 6s and later, all models of iPad Pro, and 5th and 6th generation iPads).

The AR directions include large arrows and street markers overlaid on the real world. These can be viewed by tapping a nearby location on the map, tapping the Directions button, and then tapping Walking, which should make the "Live View" option appear near the bottom of the screen.

According to Google, the Live View feature isn't meant to be used with your ‌iPhone‌ held up in front of you as you walk – rather, its designed to provide a quick and simple way of orienting yourself if you enter unfamiliar territory.

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

Top Rated Comments

Motawa Avatar
78 months ago
Meanwhile apple maps doesn’t even have bike routes
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SBlue1 Avatar
78 months ago
Whats a “bike route”? 99,9999999% of the places/ towns/cities you just drive a bike either on a regular road or a sidewalk. Same as waling lol.
Seems like you haven't been out of your own state I guess. LOL. Come to Europe or South America to see a bike route. Or maybe Chicago or NY if you can't leave the country. :) Bike routes are an important feature of Google Maps if you live here.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MisterSavage Avatar
78 months ago
That's pretty cool. I haven't been a fan of Google Maps for walking directions but I must try this.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Xirian Avatar
78 months ago
So now we want to encourage people to stare at their screens while they are walking?

According to Google, the Live View feature isn't meant to be used with your iPhone held up in front of you as you walk - rather, its designed to provide a quick and simple way of orienting yourself if you enter unfamiliar territory.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nitramluap Avatar
78 months ago
Meanwhile apple maps doesn’t even have bike routes
To be fair, the best bike routes are actually based on local knowledge, particularly in places where cycling culture isn't great. Even Google Maps fails here. I would NEVER ride the routes it recommends in my city.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
justperry Avatar
78 months ago

Whats a “bike route”?
99,9999999% of the places/ towns/cities you just drive a bike either on a regular road or a sidewalk. Same as waling lol.
But yes, Apple Maps just tries to reinvent the wheel, Google Maps are the way to go for me.
Erm...lots of bike routes in Europe for instance, not the same as roads or sidewalk, not even allowed to cycle on sidewalks in most if not all countries in Europe.

I got lost/made the wrong turn/wrong exit so many times on apple map, if only google map can be more intergrated in iOS, like clicking on a address in iMessage
Old news, tiresome, Apple Maps is mostly on par with GM, if not better.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iphone 16 pro ghost hand

5 Reasons to Skip This Year's iPhone 17 Pro

Thursday July 10, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series in two months, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive. If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming...
apple tv 4k new orange

New Apple TV Expected Later This Year With These New Features

Saturday July 12, 2025 3:09 pm PDT by
A new Apple TV is expected to be released later this year, and a handful of new features and changes have been rumored for the device. Below, we recap what to expect from the next Apple TV, according to rumors. Rumors Faster Wi-Fi Support The next Apple TV will be equipped with Apple's own combined Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. He said the chip supports ...
iPhone 17 Pro in Hand Feature Lowgo

iPhone 17 Pro Coming Soon With These 16 New Features

Friday July 11, 2025 12:40 pm PDT by
Apple's next-generation iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are only two months away, and there are plenty of rumors about the devices. Below, we recap key changes rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models. Latest Rumors These rumors surfaced in June and July:A redesigned Dynamic Island: It has been rumored that all iPhone 17 models will have a redesigned Dynamic Island interface — it might ...
macbook pro blue green

M5 MacBook Pro No Longer Coming in 2025

Thursday July 10, 2025 12:38 pm PDT by
Apple does not plan to refresh any Macs with updated M5 chips in 2025, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Updated MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models are now planned for the first half of 2026. Gurman previously said that Apple would debut the M5 MacBook Pro models in late 2025, but his newest report suggests that Apple is "considering" pushing them back to 2026. Apple is now said to be...
iphone 16 pro pro max

iPhone 17 Pro Models With BOE Displays Will Be Sold in China Only

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:59 pm PDT by
iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models with displays made by BOE will be sold exclusively in China, according to a new report. Last week, it emerged that Chinese display manufacturer BOE was aggressively ramping up its OLED production capacity for future iPhone models as part of a plan to recapture a major role in Apple's supply chain. Now, tech news aggregator Jukan Choi reports...
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Complications

Apple Watch Ultra 3: What to Expect

Sunday July 13, 2025 10:30 am PDT by
The long wait for an Apple Watch Ultra 3 is nearly over, and a handful of new features and changes have been rumored for the device. Below, we recap what to expect from the Apple Watch Ultra 3:Satellite connectivity for sending and receiving text messages when Wi-Fi and cellular coverage is unavailable 5G support, up from LTE on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Likely a wide-angle OLED display that ...
apple wallet drivers license feature iPhone 15 pro

Apple Says iPhone Driver's Licenses Will Expand to These 8 U.S. States

Tuesday July 8, 2025 11:26 am PDT by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, providing a convenient and contactless way to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. Unfortunately, this feature continues to roll out very slowly since it was announced in 2021, with only nine U.S. states, Puerto Rico,...
iPhone 17 Air Colors Thumb 2

iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air Rumored to Come in These 9 Colors

Friday July 11, 2025 12:30 am PDT by
The iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air will be available in a total of nine color options, according to new information coming out of Asia. The iPhone 17 Air's expected color options. According to the leaker going by the account name "yeux1122" on the Korean blog Naver, accessory manufacturers are now producing camera protector rings for the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air in colors to match their...