Google Maps is testing a new feature that will be very useful for iPhones with recent iOS. This new feature is very useful for iPhones with recent iOS.

The feature that is said to be coming to Google Maps is a feature called "Live Activity," which was included as part of the 2022 iOS 16 update. This will allow apps to display updatable information on the phone's lock screen, and even on dynamic islands and always-on displays if the iPhone has that capability, according to Reddit (via 9to5Google) and tipster Max Jambor. According to users who have learned that this feature is enabled,

versions of Google Maps use this to show your current steps as well as the entire progress bar.

If you don't have it yet, don't worry. Even users who have tried it say the feature was removed shortly after. You also need to enable the Glanceable Directions setting to navigate with the app, which can be found by tapping your profile picture on the main Google Maps screen and going to Settings > Navigation.

Google has apparently been working on Glanceable Directions for Google Maps for iOS since 2023, when the code for this feature was first discovered in the app. A similar feature is already available for Android Maps, but again, the feature must be enabled in the in-app settings.

An obvious use case for Apple's Live Activity feature is that directions pop up and can be easily read and followed without having to unlock the phone each time. This is something Apple Maps already does. But somehow, even though Google has added and tested many other features over the past few months, such as better in-app information about EV charging stations, a list of recommended attractions in certain cities, AI translation and planning, and even building entrance markers, this is really time consuming.

If you are one of the lucky ones who can already use Google Maps Live Activities, I am very jealous. The rest of us (including TG staffers with iPhones) will probably have to wait for the full release. At the very least, we hope it will be in time for the launch of iOS 18, which is expected to debut at WWDC 2024 this June.