A new feature is coming to all iPhones with Google Maps called Visible Directions, it even works with the locked screen
A new Google Maps navigation experience has arrived, visible directions as we move towards our destination. The means of transport does not matter, it can be walking, cycling or public transport. The intention is that the journey can be followed accurately from the route description.. It will not be necessary to start a journey for this. The new thing is that it is now visible when the mobile is locked. For iPhone, it will be rolled out gradually and will also be compatible with Live Activities.
The Google Maps function which will arrive silently on iPhone
In Google Maps settings, you can go to your iPhone under Navigation -> Map View (you will need to scroll down) and enable visible directions while you navigate.. This feature was created to make traveling safer and distraction-free.
Enable visible directions when navigating on Google Maps
Personally, I use Google Maps to locate places before moving, although when I have a last doubt a few meters before arriving, I consult said search again but I do not start the route as such . Now with this it will be easier to see the estimated arrival time since it will be updated as we approach the destination.
In February last year, Mountain View announced ways to make its app more immersive and one of the new features was precisely related to navigation, in addition to an immersive view.
Another important advantage is that it automatically redirects in case of course deviation, e.g. When 2 or more similar routes are suggested, the arrival time is also updated. This improvement is undoubtedly important since it allows you to see the map in a wider perspective if we don’t want to see it in first person when we start a tour.
This is how the instructions visible on Google Maps work
Why did Google take so long to implement it?
According to Android Police, Google confirmed it would arrive just a few months after its announcement. In June 2023, the implementation plan was already in place but it never happened. Until last January, there were already indications that Google was already implementing the function, but not for all users.
From what they have been able to assure, they are already available in several countries and on iOS and Android platforms. In my personal case, I am in Mexico and the function was already present although not activated.
If you use Google Maps in your daily life, this will undoubtedly be a nice feature.. It will not be necessary to unlock the iPhone at all times to see how we are traveling our route and the time it takes to get there. The release of this feature probably didn’t work well on iOS and so they didn’t want to risk its availability by putting it on Android first, even though that wouldn’t have been unusual. And do you use Google or Apple Maps?
