Google Maps is testing a new navigation experience with turn-by-turn directions via Live Activities on the iPhone’s Lock Screen and in the Dynamic Island.
Instead of Google’s clunky Directions widget, iPhone users will get a new experience because the Google Maps app will run on the Lock Screen as a live activity.
Google Maps will also show you directions in the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. This handy feature is now being tested ahead of an iPhone 15 unveiling. Google’s timing is perfect because the iPhone 15 family is rumored to expand the Dynamic Island feature to all models in the lineup.
Google Maps for iPhone testing Live Activities and Dynamic Island support
MacRumors contributor Steve Moser has m managed to dig up references to this feature in the latest Google Maps code. Thanks to the Live Activities feature, Google will be able to show you real-time directions for any mode of navigation, including driving, biking, walking and public transit, without having to unlock the device.
The change was announced in February 2023, but it took a while to get to a testing phase. Though it remains in development, the app’s code now references the feature, meaning it could launch to the general public in a matter of weeks.
In the past, Google Maps had to remain open because Apple didn’t allow navigation maps to take over the Lock Screen. In iOS 15 and older, Google supported Lock Screen navigation via a Directions widget that you had to add to the Today view.
Although Google designed this widget to display directions, street names and distance, turn-by-turn navigation via a widget didn’t prove very practical. Small wonder Google pulled this widget after iOS 16 killed the Today view.
Turn-by-turn directions as a live activity
In iOS 17, for example, Apple’s mapping app takes over the Lock Screen and updates in real-time so you can navigate, browse your route and more without keeping it open all the time. When announcing the feature in February, Google’s Keyword blog noted that glanceable directions in Maps will work in a similar fashion.
You’ll see updated ETAs and where to make your next turn ¥information that was previously only visible by unlocking your phone, opening the app and using comprehensive navigation mode. And if you decide to take another path, we’ll update your trip automatically.
So, a Lock Screen navigation experience worthy of Google’s name! Glanceable directions via Live Activities and the Dynamic Island require iOS 16.1 or later.
The iPhone’s Lock Screen used to be an exclusive domain of Apple. This changed with iOS 16, which brought support for third-party widgets and Live Activities, a feature that lets an app display and periodically refresh glanceable snippets of information on the Lock Screen, like sports scores, arrival times, etc.