Google Maps receives historic update Google is calling 'the biggest in over a decade' and it could be over for Waze and Apple Maps
Published on Mar 13, 2026 at 1:09 PM (UTC+4)
by Alessandro Renesis
Last updated on Mar 13, 2026 at 1:39 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
There’s a new Google Maps update that’s turning the world’s most famous navigation app into a travel companion.
It heavily relies on AI – no surprise there – and it also introduces two key features.
One is long overdue, because it’s just a better way to show the map on the app.
But the second one is giving Skynet vibes.
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The navigation app ‘battle’ continues
With few exceptions, it’s neck and neck both in the smartphone world and in the PC world.
It’s Apple versus Android, or Apple versus Windows.
But in the navigation app business, there’s a third elephant in the room and that’s Waze.
Waze is technically owned by Google, but we’ll gloss over that.
Also, the navigation app world is probably the only domain where Apple’s charm doesn’t work.
Google Maps remains the most-downloaded navigation app on the iOS App Store.
As for Waze, a lot of people prefer it simply because, unlike Apple Maps and Google Maps, it relies on live updates and feedback provided directly from users.
People can get things wrong but, unlike AI, they don’t ‘hallucinate’ (the buzzword of our era).
Translated, following Waze, you’re maybe less likely to drive into a ditch just because the navigation app didn’t know that was a dead end.
How the new Google Maps update is a game changer
This, according to Google, will be ‘the biggest update in over a decade.’
The newest Google Maps update transforms the app from a passive 2D tool into an active, conversational 3D travel companion using Gemini AI.
The first of two key features is called Immersive Navigation.
The map now features enhanced road details and see-through renderings of buildings to help you see upcoming turns and lane changes in advance.
The second feature is called Ask Maps; it makes Google Maps sound like a human passenger by providing more natural directions.
Instead of saying ‘in 500 feet, turn right’, it might say: ‘turn right after the next KFC’, which sounds both useful and spooky if you’ve watched the Terminator franchise one too many times.
Still, the update is here, and you can also ask specific questions about restaurants, cafes, malls, shops, and so on.
The update is rolling out as we speak (in the US) for iOS, Android, CarPlay, Android Auto, and cars with Google built-in.
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After beginning his automotive writing career at DriveTribe, Alessandro has been with Supercar Blondie since the launch of the website in 2022. In fact, he penned the very first article published on supercarblondie.com. He’s covered subjects from cars to aircraft, watches, and luxury yachts - and even crypto. He can largely be found heading up the site’s new-supercar and SBX coverage and being the first to bring our readers the news that they’re hungry for.
