Google Maps for CarPlay released for iOS 12

Google Maps has made its way to CarPlay, with Apple's embedded infotainment interface opening up on the Google app with the arrival of iOS 12. Maps when you connect your iPhone to an Internet-based system. Embedded infotainment compatible.

When CarPlay was launched, its relatively closed ecosystem was considered a benefit. The space on the dashboard, argued Apple, was not only valuable but had huge implications for security. Rather than allowing all applications to colonize CarPlay, the Cupertino company has instead taken the lead.

Everything is fine, but if you were a dedicated user of Google Maps – or, in fact, a Waze user or any other mapping service – it meant becoming familiar with Apple maps. Apple's navigation software has improved dramatically since it was launched a few years ago and is expected to improve further in the next few years as its data becomes much more complete. Nevertheless, it is a disconnection of the iPhone that has frustrated many pilots.

The news that iOS 12 would allow third-party mapping applications is therefore a welcome relief. With the new version of the iPhone software released yesterday, Google has been quick to update Google Maps in the App Store. This adds compatibility with CarPlay.

The navigation experience is the same as in the ordinary iPhone application. You can search for a destination and see several route options, as well as receive live information about traffic jams, congestion, crashes, and other delays along the route. Lists saved from the Google Maps app can also be accessed through the CarPlay user interface, and if you have set up a workplace, it will automatically offer you navigation to the workplace.

The synchronization between Google Maps for CarPlay, the normal iOS application and Google Maps in the browser is probably more interesting. If you have searched for something on your laptop, for example, this should appear as a suggested destination automatically when you load the application on CarPlay.

Google Maps for CarPlay also supports downloaded maps. If you have saved the data of an area in the application, you can still access the navigation and get guidance even if you do not have an active data connection.

The new Google Maps support with CarPlay is available for download on the App Store. You will need iOS 12 on your iPhone, of course, as well as a free download, as well as an infotainment system for car or aftermarket, compatible with CarPlay.