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The Google Maps app on iOS is getting Live Activities support for more users. The first tests of the feature were reported in April. Now, more people are receiving it, but it’s still not a massive rollout.
In 2023, Google announced that its Google Maps app for iOS would receive Live Activities support. Since then, the feature has been a long time coming, with a limited-scope test taking place a few months ago. However, the latest developments suggest that the wide rollout will take place this year. In recent weeks, more Google Maps users on iOS have been seeing Live Activities on their iPhone lockscreen.
Live Activities reaching more Google Maps users on iOS; massive rollout still pending
The latest reports are more abundant compared to those from April. That said, the feature seems to still be in the testing stage since not everyone has received it. Maybe Google refined some things after previous tests and now wants to analyze its reception among a broader user base.
Apple launched the Live Activities feature with the iOS 16 update. It can display real-time updates about a supported app or service on your lockscreen using a kind of widgets. This avoids having to open the app or unlock the phone to use certain functions. For example, you can follow the progress of a match in your favorite sport.
In the case of the Maps app, Live Activities are used for navigation. The “widget” shows both the directions to take as you drive and the estimated time of arrival at your destination. Google Maps offers something similar on Android via a notification. Now, it seems that soon iOS users will be able to enjoy this useful feature as well.
There is still no official information about the final rollout of Live Activities in the Google Maps app for iOS. However, since Google expanded the scope of testing, it seems to be closer than ever.