Staying within the speed limit while using Google Maps on your iPhone might soon become much simpler, thanks to a new on-screen speedometer that some users have started noticing.
This feature has been detected in both the iOS and CarPlay versions of Google Maps, according to reports from autoevolution and its readers. Unfortunately, no one has managed to capture screenshots or photos of it yet.
Utilizing GPS data, this speedometer could potentially be more accurate than your car’s built-in speedometer. Additionally, its placement on the screen could be more convenient for checking your speed while following navigation directions. While some Android versions of Google Maps already have this feature, its appearance in the iOS and CarPlay versions is exciting news for Apple users, who until now could only see the speed limits of the current road while driving.
Speedometers on Navigation Apps: An Inconsistent Experience
For those not committed to Google Maps but looking for a speedometer on their navigation app, Waze offers real-time speed information for both iPhone and Android users.
Currently, Apple Maps, like Google Maps for most users, can only display speed limits. However, with the release of iOS 18, Apple Maps is becoming more versatile outside of driving, offering features like topographic maps and custom hiking routes.
It’s unfortunate that the Google Maps speedometer is only available to a limited number of users right now. A Reddit user mentioned that they only found the speedometer on one of their two iPhones. Despite this, the feature will be a welcome addition once it is widely available, though it’s unclear when that will happen. With a “Made by Google” event scheduled for August 13, there’s a possibility that Google might pause its announcements of the rumored Pixel 9 series and Pixel Watch 3 to discuss updates to Google Maps and other popular apps.