Google last month updated its Maps app for Android, adding the
long-anticipated feature of offline navigation. Now, Google has finally started rolling out the feature to iOS
users.
With the update, Maps users on iOS will be able to get improved
offline maps support and can also download a region on the map for
offline use - allowing users to then navigate using GPS and other
location services not requiring an Internet connection. When the phone
is connected to a good network, the app will automatically go online and
offer other Maps features such as live traffic updates. Notably, the
ability to download and use Google Maps offline has been available for a
while now, but this is the first time Google is offering other features
like turn-by-turn navigation and providing information about places,
like hours of operation, contact information, as well as ratings.
It's
worth noting that Google Maps apps listing in App
Store shows the changelog for new version 4.13.0 without any mention of
offline navigation. It says, "See popular times at more than a million
places around the world."
(Also see: How to Download and Use
Google Maps for Android, iOS Without Internet)
A Google spokesperson however confirmed to Mashable that the latest app update brings offline navigation to
the iOS platform. Further, the spokesperson added that it may take a few
weeks before the "functionality is available to all users".
The
latest Maps for iOS update also brings up-to-date gas prices when
searching for gas stations in the US and Canada. The gas prices will be
available in both map view as well as search results. Google, as of now,
has not revealed whether the feature will be made available outside the
US and Canada. The update also brings bug fixes and other improvements.