Google Maps for iOS was today updated to version 4.30.0, introducing a new Directions Widget that allows Google Maps users to access turn-by-turn navigation directly on the lock screen of the iPhone.

The widget can be enabled by going to the Today View of the Notification Center, scrolling down to the "Edit" button, and then enabling Google Directions. Once turned on, turn-by-turn navigation directions will be available through the widget in the Notification Center, which can be accessed by swiping right on the lock screen.

googleimessage
Today's update also introduces a new Google Maps iMessage app that's designed to let users send their current location to friends and family members without the need to leave the Messages app.

The new Google Maps Messages app can be enabled through the Messages App Store. When installed, it establishes the user's location and then allows that information to be shared right in Messages.

Along with the new widget and Messages app, the new version of Google Maps also includes unspecified bug fixes.

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

Top Rated Comments

Asarien Avatar
111 months ago
I wish Apple and Google would get over their foolishness and allow Google Maps CarPlay integration.

Even though I prefer Apple Maps, when it comes to navigation, the option to have a backup would be nice.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kaibelf Avatar
111 months ago
Short memories here. Remember that the whole reason Apple ended up doing their own maps instead of just sticking with Google is because Google refused at the time to allow turn by turn directions on iOS and also demanded the ability to serve ads and get customer info, which Apple refused to provide. It's not "foolishness" on Apple's part to refuse to make a privacy-compromising exception to their own rules for a single company, and it certainly isn't Apple's fault that Google tried to build in a competitive edge for another platform. I'm personally very happy Apple went through the trouble and tremendous expense rather than freely opt everyone into Google's data harvesting. If you want to give your info to Google, fine but I would expect it to be completely opt-in with no gray area, and Apple doesn't have to provide a vehicle for their biggest competitor.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Statusnone88 Avatar
111 months ago
I wish Apple and Google would get over their foolishness and allow Google Maps CarPlay integration.

Even though I prefer Apple Maps, when it comes to navigation, the option to have a backup would be nice.
Came here to say this. But I absolutely despise Apple Maps.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DoctorDoctor Avatar
111 months ago
I wish Google would add Driving Mode to Google Maps for iOS. I can't really see how the widget would help me. If I am driving and need directions I would rather just have the Maps app open. Or am I missing something ?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CarpalMac Avatar
111 months ago
Despite what the zealots say, Apple maps is nowhere near as good as a global product as GMaps. I travel over 3000miles most months and as a fact here, while AMaps is much improved, it is still unreliable and lacks a lot of key information. Waze (Google owned) is the best in my experience, though it does lack lane selection graphics which would be handy.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
69Mustang Avatar
111 months ago
Short memories here. Remember that the whole reason Apple ended up doing their own maps instead of just sticking with Google is because Google refused at the time to allow turn by turn directions on iOS and also demanded the ability to serve ads and get customer info, which Apple refused to provide. It's not "foolishness" on Apple's part to refuse to make a privacy-compromising exception to their own rules for a single company, and it certainly isn't Apple's fault that Google tried to build in a competitive edge for another platform. I'm personally very happy Apple went through the trouble and tremendous expense rather than freely opt everyone into Google's data harvesting. If you want to give your info to Google, fine but I would expect it to be completely opt-in with no gray area, and Apple doesn't have to provide a vehicle for their biggest competitor.
Any mention of Google on this forum inevitably leads to someone moaning about privacy. Before doing so, I wish people would actually read Apple's privacy policy. If they did, they'd see that Apple and Google collect and use your information, personal and non-personal, in the exact same ways; including advertising. It's all right there for anyone who wants to discern fact from fiction. And just like with Google, any desire to bypass data mining is an opt-out situation, not opt-in.

I agree with you completely about opt-in, btw. I wish they all (Apple, Google, MS, etc.) were opt-in. They're not. They're pretty much all opt-out. To single out one seems disingenuous when they're all doing the same thing.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iOS 26 Feature

iOS 26.1 to iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Saturday October 18, 2025 11:00 am PDT by
iOS 26 was released last month, but the software train never stops, and iOS 26.1 beta testing is already underway. So far, iOS 26.1 makes both Apple Intelligence and Live Translation on compatible AirPods available in additional languages, and it includes some other minor changes across the Apple Music, Calendar, Photos, Clock, and Safari apps. More features and changes will follow in future ...
ios 26 1 liquid glass opaque

iOS 26.1 Beta 4 Lets Users Control Liquid Glass Transparency with New Toggle

Monday October 20, 2025 10:57 am PDT by
With the fourth betas of iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and macOS 26.1, Apple has introduced a new setting that's designed to allow users to customize the look of Liquid Glass. The toggle lets users select from a clear look for Liquid Glass, or a tinted look. Clear is the current Liquid Glass design, which is more transparent and shows the background underneath buttons, bars, and menus, while tinted ...
iPhone Siri Glow

Some Apple Employees Have 'Concerns' About iOS 26.4's Revamped Siri

Sunday October 19, 2025 7:39 am PDT by
iOS 26.4 is expected to introduce a revamped version of Siri powered by Apple Intelligence, but not everyone is satisfied with how well it works. In his Power On newsletter today, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said some of Apple's software engineers have "concerns" about the overhauled Siri's performance. However, he did not provide any specific details about the shortcomings. iOS 26.4 will...
iOS 26

iOS 26.0.2 Update for iPhones Coming Soon

Friday October 17, 2025 7:35 am PDT by
Apple's software engineers continue to internally test iOS 26.0.2, according to MacRumors logs, which have been a reliable indicator of upcoming iOS versions. iOS 26.0.2 will be a minor update that addresses bugs and/or security vulnerabilities, but we do not know any specific details yet. The update will likely be released by the end of next week. Last month, Apple released iOS 26.0.1,...
Apple iPad Pro hero M5

New iPad Pro Has Six Key Upgrades Beyond M5 Chip

Saturday October 18, 2025 10:57 am PDT by
While the new iPad Pro's headline feature is the M5 chip, the device has some other changes, including N1 and C1X chips, faster storage speeds, and more. With the M5 chip, the new iPad Pro has up to a 20% faster CPU and up to a 40% faster GPU compared to the previous model with the M4 chip, according to Geekbench 6 results. Keep in mind that 256GB and 512GB configurations have a 9-core CPU,...
maxresdefault

Here's How the iOS 26.1 Transparency Toggle Changes Liquid Glass

Monday October 20, 2025 1:55 pm PDT by
With the fourth beta of iOS 26.1, Apple added a toggle that makes Liquid Glass more opaque and reduces transparency. We tested the beta to see where the toggle works and what it looks like. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. If you have the latest iOS 26.1 beta, you can go to Settings > Display and Brightness to get to the new option. Tap on Liquid Glass, then...
iOS 26

What's New in iOS 26.1 Beta 4

Monday October 20, 2025 1:02 pm PDT by
Even though we're at the fourth beta of iOS 26.1, Apple is continuing to add new features. In fact, the fourth beta has some of the biggest changes that we'll get when iOS 26.1 releases to the public later this month. We've rounded up what's new below. Liquid Glass Transparency Toggle Apple added a toggle for customizing the look of Liquid Glass. In Settings > Display and Brightness,...
HomePod mini and Apple TV

Apple's Next Rumored Products: New HomePod Mini, Apple TV, and More

Thursday October 16, 2025 9:13 am PDT by
Apple on Wednesday updated the 14-inch MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro with its next-generation M5 chip, but previous rumors have indicated that the company still plans to announce at least a few additional products before the end of the year. The following Apple products have at one point been rumored to be updated in 2025, although it is unclear if the timeframe for any of them has...
kohler toilet sensor

Kohler Launches $600 iPhone-Connected Toilet Camera That Monitors Your Health Through Waste Analysis

Monday October 20, 2025 1:42 pm PDT by
Kohler is expanding its line of bathroom products with Dekoda, an iPhone-connected device that's designed to be attached to a toilet rim (via The Verge). The device's included "sensors" point into the toilet bowl, allowing it to analyze what goes on in the bathroom. According to Kohler, Dekoda is a health tracker that can monitor gut health and hydration, as well as detect the presence of...