Google Maps has long been a favorite navigation app, offering users robust and precise directions, traffic updates, and points of interest. In a significant recent development, Google has expanded its features by rolling out speedometer and speed limit functionalities for iPhone and CarPlay users around the world. These updates aim to enhance the driving experience while keeping motorists informed about their speed, thereby reducing the likelihood of traffic violations.
The newly introduced features — the speedometer and speed limits — provide drivers with real-time updates on their speed and the applicable speed limits in different regions. Early reports indicated the presence of these functions in India, and Google has since confirmed that the global rollout is underway. By displaying the vehicle’s speed in miles or kilometers per hour (depending on regional settings), the features offer valuable information to drivers, helping them comply with local traffic laws.
Enabling these features is straightforward. iPhone users can activate the speedometer and speed limits by going to the Google Maps app, tapping their profile picture, and navigating to Settings. From there, they should head to Navigation and then to Driving options. Once enabled, the speed limit indicator will also change colors to alert drivers when they are approaching or exceeding the speed limit, serving as a gentle reminder to adjust their speed.
It should be noted that these features are designed for informational purposes only. Google advises users to rely on their vehicle's built-in speedometer to verify their actual driving speed. This safeguard ensures that any discrepancies between the app’s readings and the vehicle’s measurements do not lead to unintended consequences. Google’s advisory underscores the limitations of the app-based speedometer and emphasizes the importance of accurate speed tracking through traditional means.
As for the history of these features, Google first introduced the speedometer and speed limits on its Android platform back in 2019. Initially available solely in select markets, the services were expanded to over 40 countries within a few months. Their widespread acceptance and utilization on Android devices evidently laid the groundwork for the recent expansion to iOS and CarPlay. The decision to make these features globally available to iPhone users highlights Google’s commitment to enhancing road safety features across all platforms.
The introduction of speedometer and speed limit features on Google Maps for iPhone and CarPlay users marks an important step in advancing digital tools that promote safer driving behaviors. By providing real-time updates on vehicle speed and applicable speed limits, these new capabilities aim to keep drivers better informed and compliant with traffic regulations. While meant for informational purposes, they complement traditional vehicle speedometers to offer an extra layer of safety assurance. With Google’s history of continuous improvement and feature expansion, it is exciting to see how these updates will impact driving experiences globally.