Google Maps on Android is getting a makeover. The app is ditching the old fullscreen menus for a more streamlined experience built around swipeable sheets. This update promises to make navigating with Google Maps faster and more intuitive.
The core change involves replacing fullscreen menus with sheets that slide up from the bottom of the screen. This keeps the map constantly visible, providing better context as you interact with the app.
This sheet-based approach offers several benefits. First, the map stays in constant view, eliminating the hassle of going back and forth between menus. Second, swiping through sheets is now smoother and efficient compared to tapping through multiple fullscreen menus. Finally, the rounded corners and emphasis on the map layer give Google Maps a fresh and contemporary look.
There are a couple of things to keep in mind with this update. The shortcut of swiping up on the search bar to hide the map is no longer available. Additionally, while entering your destination initially remains the fullscreen for now, once your details are entered, the action moves to a bottom sheet for managing your route.
This update follows Google’s year-long efforts to refine the Maps UI. After initial testing and incorporating user feedback, they’re now rolling out the sheet-based design to Android users. While iOS users might wait a bit longer for this update, iPhone users have recently received Speedometer and speed limit feature on their Maps.