Google Maps on CarPlay
Years after it debuted on its iOS and Android apps, hazard and delay reporting is now available when Google Maps is connected to CarPlay.
One of the most useful features in Apple Maps is how quickly drivers can report that there is, say, a lane closure, or there’s been an accident. One of the most irritating things is when Apple Maps asks you if the incident is still there, and doesn’t quite give you enough time to find out.
Nonetheless, it’s a feature that has been helping Apple Maps users since 2021, and Google Maps on iPhone since 2019. However, the same Google Maps feature has been denied iPhone users, once they connect to CarPlay.
That would seem to be where it would be most useful, but for years, drivers have only been able to see other people’s warnings, not report any themselves. Now according to 9to5Google, these incident reports are rolling out to CarPlay users.
It appears to be still rolling out, and it’s not clear how long it will take to reach all users. Curiously, incident reporting is still not being seen when Google Maps is connected to Android Auto.
When it is available, drivers get an icon of a hazard sign. Tapping it brings up quick controls for reporting common issues, ranging from a crash or an object on the road, to construction or a speed trap.
The addition of this reporting feature comes shortly after a similar situation over speed in Google Maps. Google added a speedometer to Google Maps on Android around five years ago, and has now brought it to iOS.
