Google is rolling out one of the biggest updates to Google Maps in years, powered by its Gemini AI models.
The changes introduce a new conversational feature called Ask Maps. There is also a redesigned navigation experience that Google says is its largest driving upgrade in more than a decade.
Ask Maps turns the app into something closer to a travel assistant than a traditional map. Instead of searching for individual places, users can ask natural questions such as where to charge a phone nearby without waiting in line. Or, for genuine convenience, users can ask where to find a public tennis court with lights at night. Maps then responds conversationally, showing recommendations directly on the map.
The system pulls information from more than 300 million places and reviews from a community of over 500 million contributors. Google says responses are also personalised using past searches and saved locations. This helps surface more relevant suggestions when planning meetups, trips, or spontaneous outings.
Once a destination is chosen, the app makes it easy to turn suggestions into plans. Users can save locations, share them with friends, or jump straight into directions and reservations from within the same interface.
Alongside the conversational features, Google is also introducing Immersive Navigation, a major visual overhaul designed to make driving easier to follow. Routes now appear in a more detailed 3D view and they highlight buildings, overpasses, lanes, crosswalks, traffic lights and stop signs. As a result, drivers can better understand what’s coming up ahead.
The update also improves how Maps handles route changes. Drivers will now see clearer explanations for alternative routes, such as choosing between a faster toll road or a slower route with less traffic. In addition, real-time alerts for disruptions like crashes and roadworks will continue to be powered by millions of daily contributions from the Maps community.
Google is also refining the final stage of navigation. As you approach your destination, Maps can highlight building entrances, nearby parking spots and the correct side of the street to approach from. This helps drivers avoid that last-minute confusion when arriving somewhere new.
Ask Maps is rolling out now in the US and India on Android and iOS, with desktop support arriving later. Meanwhile, Immersive Navigation is launching across the US first and will expand to more regions and platforms. This will include CarPlay, Android Auto and cars with Google built-in — over the coming months.
