Google Maps has long been evolving and enhancing its interface, gaining popularity for its creativity and functionality. The latest update further improves the navigation experience on Android devices by introducing a new sheet-based design that replaces traditional full-screen menus, keeping the map visible at all times. This global rollout showcases a fresh design with softer, more rounded corners, emphasizing the map’s background layer more prominently, resulting in a sleeker and more lightweight appearance.
The new sheet interface aims to maintain map visibility throughout the app, ensuring users can always see location details, routes, and surrounding landmarks without having to switch screens. This change simplifies interactions and provides a clearer information hierarchy. Users can now access frequently used options, such as selecting transportation modes or route variations, by sliding up from the bottom of the screen, avoiding clutter on the main map display.
Additionally, the updated design prioritizes essential journey details, like departure and arrival points, within the simplified sheets. This approach highlights critical navigation information, making the travel experience more streamlined and efficient. Currently, this sheet-based design is being rolled out exclusively for Android users, specifically on the stable channel of the Google Maps app (version 11.36.x). While Google has not yet announced plans for iOS, it is expected to be introduced soon.
In addition to the interface revamp, Google recently confirmed the addition of a speedometer on iOS and CarPlay, as well as speed limit indicators for global users. During vehicle navigation, a circular speedometer appears in the bottom-left corner, showing the current speed. If the speed limit is exceeded, the indicator changes color, providing a visual warning to help drivers adjust their speed and enhance road safety. Google emphasizes that the speedometer is for informational purposes only and may differ from the actual speed due to external factors.
These updates reflect Google’s commitment to improving user experience and safety on Google Maps, making navigation more intuitive and reliable for users worldwide.