Google Maps Extends Speedometer, Speed Limit Feature to Apple Users

Google Maps is reportedly extending to Apple’s iOS and CarPlay a speedometer and speed limits feature that it has long offered for its own operating system, Android.

TechCrunch reported Tuesday (July 9) that it spotted the feature being available to iPhone users in India last week and that Google confirmed Tuesday that the feature will be rolled out globally.

The feature helps users avoid speeding tickets while driving by showing the vehicle’s speed when people start navigation on Google Maps and by changing colors on the speed indicator to remind people to drive within the speed limit, according to the report.

The vehicle’s speed is shown for “informational use only,” according to a Google support page, suggesting that drivers should rely on their vehicle’s speedometer, per the report.

Google launched the speedometer and speed limits feature on Android in 2019, the report said.

This new feature will join some others that have been added to Google Maps in recent months.

These include a generative artificial intelligence (AI)-powered feature launched in February that helps people discover places by providing personalized recommendations based on users’ specific needs.

For example, if someone is visiting San Francisco and wants to explore vintage shops, they can simply ask Google Maps for “places with a vintage vibe in SF.” The AI models will then analyze the available information, including photos, ratings and reviews from the Maps community, to provide suggestions.

In November, Google Maps added a feature that helps groups plan trips by creating a collaborative list in which members of the group can add places they would like to visit and can vote on group activities by using emojis like a heart or a thumbs down.

During that same month, Google added a “small business attribute” that allows merchants to prominently display their small business status on both Maps and Search, making those businesses easier to spot among the list of merchants.

This feature is designed to help consumers find and shop at new small businesses. It is meant to appeal to the 84% of consumers who said they prioritize supporting local and small businesses.