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 5:09 AM (UTC-4)
by Alessandro Renesis
Last updated on Mar 13, 2026 at 11:53 AM (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.
Related
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.
Alessandro is an automotive journalist with 10 years of experience covering supercars, automotive history, emerging vehicle technology, and luxury transportation. He wrote the first article published on SupercarBlondie.com when the website launched in 2022 and has since built a reputation for insightful reporting across the automotive and transportation industries. His expertise is grounded in hands-on experience. Alessandro has driven every Tesla model ever produced, from the original Roadster to the Cybertruck, and regularly covers the latest developments in electric vehicles and automotive innovation. His passion for transportation extends beyond cars, he has even flown a Boeing 787 Dreamliner simulator in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. His reporting spans everything from classic American muscle cars and rare automotive discoveries to luxury yachts, private aircraft, high-end watches, and cutting-edge vehicle technology. Known for his deep knowledge of automotive history and ability to uncover the stories behind iconic vehicles, Alessandro brings readers a blend of historical context, technical expertise, and first-hand experience.
