Track your journey, get updated ETAs and see where to go on your next trip with Google Maps, right from your iPhone’s lock screen without opening the app.
- What’s happening? Google Maps will soon roll out Live Activity support for turn-by-turn directions on iPhone through a future app update.
- Why care? This will allow you to see your next turn, track your route and get updated ETAs on your iPhone’s lock screen without opening the app.
- What to do? Read more on the Google Keyword Blog.
Google Maps gets Live Activity support for lock screen directions
Google Maps with directions on the lock screen through Live Activity will work for all navigation modes – whether walking, cycling or public transport.
“You’ll see updated ETAs and information about where to take the next turn—information that was previously only visible when unlocking the phone, opening the app, and using the integrated navigation mode,”the company says.
So far, so good. But what happens if I decide to go the other way? Don’t worry boys and girls, Google Maps will automatically update your trip information and provide updated directions on your lock screen through interactive actions. The search giant said that Google Maps for iOS will receive Live Activity support in the coming months.
Step by step instructions on the lock screen
Google Maps for iOS does not currently use the Live Activity API. This results in an unsatisfactory experience as native walkthroughs are not available on the lock screen when your iPhone is locked.
Google is trying to get around this iOS limitation by sending a time-sensitive notification so you know where to turn next time, even if the device is locked.
But these notifications will only help you if they are delivered too late. Only Apple Maps, which benefit from deep iOS integration, supports live directions on the lock screen. With Live Activity, navigating with Google Maps on the lock screen will be much better than it is now.
The Live Activity API makes this possible
Live Activity is a new feature in iOS 16.1 that allows apps to quickly update things like sports scores, flight arrivals, and more in real time.
These pieces of information are displayed on the lock screen and in Dynamic Island, allowing users to view real-time information at a glance. This allows you to see, say, when your food or Lyft order arrives on the lock screen, updated in real time.
This feature is only available on iPhone.