After a notable delay, Google has officially introduced its speedometer and speed limit features to Google Maps on iOS devices worldwide. This long-awaited update brings iPhone users in line with their Android counterparts, who have had access to this functionality since 2019. The new features aim to help drivers monitor their speed and stay within legal limits, potentially reducing the risk of speeding tickets.
How the Features Work
Once enabled, the speedometer displays the vehicle’s current speed prominently on the navigation screen. The speed limit feature, when activated, displays the posted speed limit for the road being traveled. In a helpful touch, the speedometer changes color if the driver exceeds the speed limit, providing a visual reminder to slow down.
Accessing the Features
To activate the new features, iPhone users can navigate to the “Settings” menu within the Google Maps app, then proceed to “Navigation” and “Driving options.” Here, they can toggle the speedometer and speed limit displays on or off.
Caveats and Considerations
While Google Maps’ new features offer a potentially useful tool for drivers, it’s important to note that the displayed speed is for informational purposes only. Google emphasizes that drivers should rely on their vehicle’s built-in speedometer as the primary reference for their actual speed. Additionally, the displayed speed limit may not always be accurate due to external factors or discrepancies in data.
Impact and User Reception
The rollout of the speedometer and speed limit features to iPhone users has been met with positive reception, with many drivers praising the added functionality. However, some users have reported occasional inaccuracies in the displayed speeds and speed limits, highlighting the importance of not solely relying on drivers for this information.
Overall, Google’s latest update represents a significant step towards parity between Android and iOS users of Google Maps. The introduction of the speedometer and speed limit features has the potential to promote safer driving habits and reduce the incidence of speeding tickets, particularly for iPhone users who previously lacked access to these tools within Google Maps.
