Google Maps introduces Android 16’s live updates—what to know

Google Maps has become the first application to implement Android 16’s Live Updates feature, as announced by Android Authority. Users running Android 16 beta 2.1 can now view the time until their next turn and estimated time of arrival (ETA) directly in the status bar of their devices.

This Live Updates feature, introduced in the initial Android 16 beta, serves as a “new class of notifications that help users monitor and quickly access important ongoing activities.” It is modeled similarly to Apple’s Live Activities, which deliver real-time notifications via the lock screen and Dynamic Island. However, this is the first instance of its application in a real Android app.

Android Authority noted a new option in Google Maps that allows users to disable “live info” notifications from appearing on the status bar and lock screen. Currently, Live Updates in Android 16 beta 2.1 are only partially supported, as notifications from Google Maps remain “collapsed” on the always-on display.

Despite the limitations, Google and developers have ample time to enhance support for Live Updates, with the full Android 16 launch not expected until June. Live Updates act as progress-centric notifications that show important information in the status bar as chips.

The recent release of Android 16 Beta 2.1 included this Live Updates feature, surprising many as minor updates typically do not introduce new features. Numerous users confirmed that Google Maps supports Live Updates, which are displayed prominently in the notification panel above priority conversations, although still below the media panel.

Google Maps can display the time until the next turn and ETA through its status bar chip, utilizing the standard navigation icon and the app’s signature green background for clarity. Tapping the chip brings up a heads-up notification panel for further details.

However, both Google Maps and the demo app’s notifications are currently collapsed on the always-on display, indicating that the feature is not fully rolled out yet in the existing beta. Future updates may enable complete visibility of Live Updates on the always-on display.

For users on the latest Android 16 beta (2.1) with the current Google Maps version, activating the feature can be as simple as starting navigation, which triggers the status bar chip showing essential navigation details. Tapping the chip will reveal the current navigation step.

While these Live Updates are not entirely new in concept, they represent an important addition to Android functionalities, facilitating better management during deliveries or rideshare services.

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