Asger Risom
Google Maps will soon be fully usable from smartwatches with WearOS, letting users view maps on their wrist—less reliance on phones as the go‑to navigation device.
Google Maps will soon be fully usable from smartwatches with WearOS, letting users view maps on their wrist—less reliance on phones as the go‑to navigation device.
Maps on Smartwatch Gets a Big Upgrade
Users with updated WearOS will be able to open Google Maps directly from their watch and use it more naturally, without needing to pull out their phones constantly.
Full‑Screen Navigation on Your Wrist
The new update allows users to see the map in full‑screen mode on their smartwatch, paired with all necessary route information.
Reducing Phone Dependence While Driving
While Maps already worked on watches, this change makes it more convenient—ideal for when you’re walking, cycling, driving, or using public transport—so you look at your wrist instead of your phone.
More Than Just Point A to B
Google Maps has been evolving: real‑time alerts, place info, and navigation tools already improved. This step extends that evolution to wearable tech.
WearOS Users Are the First Beneficiaries
Only users with smartwatches running the latest WearOS update will get the full benefits of this change immediately.
A Sign of Trends in Tech Usage
Like WhatsApp or Spotify expanding functionality beyond phones, Google Maps adapting for smartwatches reflects how people expect apps to work across devices.
What’s Next for Navigation Tech
With this shift, more users may choose watches over phones for navigation—this could change how apps design features and how we think of GPS tools.
