A major redesign of Google Maps is now being tested on Android
The major Google Maps redesign we glimpsed back in February is now reappearing on some Android phones, with new refinements added – and it could potentially see a full rollout in the near future.
This has been noted by 9to5Google, and many of the design tweaks are the same. Several full-screen panels have been changed to show part of the map in the background, giving users some context as they look up various details.
The corners of these panels are now rounder and there are easily accessible buttons for closing or sharing any info card on the screen. The design tested in February also used a stacked approach to the panels, which made it appear as if they were on top of each other, but that is now gone.
Perhaps the biggest change is in getting directions: the trip start and end point fields now float at the top of the map, and the options for changing the mode of transportation have been moved to the bottom of the screen.
Available soon?
Generally this means that more of the map is visible more often – you can click through to 9to5Google to see what some of the changes look like. We’ve seen the updated look pop up on our phone and we’ve included a few screenshots above.
Google hasn’t officially said anything about these design changes either now or in February, but as far as we know it’s not rolling out to all devices yet. The update is applied server-side, so updating to the latest version of the Android app will not affect whether you see the changes or not.
Since this new look has been in testing for several months now, it won’t be long before everyone sees it on their phones. Presumably, Google Maps for iOS will also be updated with the same changes at some point.
We’re now just a few days away from Google I/O 2024, which starts on May 14. There may be one or two Google Maps announcements at the developer conference, and we also expect to hear about Google’s future AI plans and the Pixel 8a phone.