Google Maps Gains 'Live View' Augmented Reality Walking Directions - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Google Maps Gains 'Live View' Augmented Reality Walking Directions

by

Augmented reality walking directions in Google Maps got a step closer today with news that a beta version of the AR feature will be rolling out to users of the app over the next couple of weeks (via TechCrunch).

Google Maps Live View AR feature
Google revealed AR walking directions earlier this year, when it launched an early alpha mode for Google Pixel owners and users of Google Maps Local Guides, but now it's making the feature available for all Google Maps users with ARKit-compatible devices (iPhone 6s and later, all models of iPad Pro, and 5th and 6th generation iPads).

The AR directions include large arrows and street markers overlaid on the real world. These can be viewed by tapping a nearby location on the map, tapping the Directions button, and then tapping Walking, which should make the "Live View" option appear near the bottom of the screen.

According to Google, the Live View feature isn't meant to be used with your iPhone held up in front of you as you walk – rather, its designed to provide a quick and simple way of orienting yourself if you enter unfamiliar territory.

Google Maps can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Top Rated Comments

90 months ago
Meanwhile apple maps doesn’t even have bike routes
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SBlue1 Avatar
90 months ago
Whats a “bike route”? 99,9999999% of the places/ towns/cities you just drive a bike either on a regular road or a sidewalk. Same as waling lol.
Seems like you haven't been out of your own state I guess. LOL. Come to Europe or South America to see a bike route. Or maybe Chicago or NY if you can't leave the country. :) Bike routes are an important feature of Google Maps if you live here.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
90 months ago
So now we want to encourage people to stare at their screens while they are walking?

According to Google, the Live View feature isn't meant to be used with your iPhone held up in front of you as you walk - rather, its designed to provide a quick and simple way of orienting yourself if you enter unfamiliar territory.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MisterSavage Avatar
90 months ago
That's pretty cool. I haven't been a fan of Google Maps for walking directions but I must try this.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
90 months ago
Meanwhile apple maps doesn’t even have bike routes
To be fair, the best bike routes are actually based on local knowledge, particularly in places where cycling culture isn't great. Even Google Maps fails here. I would NEVER ride the routes it recommends in my city.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
90 months ago

Whats a “bike route”?
99,9999999% of the places/ towns/cities you just drive a bike either on a regular road or a sidewalk. Same as waling lol.
But yes, Apple Maps just tries to reinvent the wheel, Google Maps are the way to go for me.
Bike Routes are very common in Canada, either along the side of the road (not on the sidewalk!) highlighted in green, or a separate pathway separated from the road by grass and trees.



It's very dangerous to ride a bike on the sidewalk, or ride facing traffic.

And wear your reflectors and helmet! :p
[doublepost=1565299159][/doublepost]
I got lost/made the wrong turn/wrong exit so many times on apple map, if only google map can be more intergrated in iOS, like clicking on a address in iMessage
Apple Maps has improved immensely in the past year! I find it better than Google Maps most of the time. I prefer how it gives lots of warning and repeats instructions. All too often, I found Google Maps giving instructions too late or not at all. That never happens with Apple Maps.

Attachment Image
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iCloud iPhone 17 Pro

iPhone Users Who Pay for iCloud Storage Get Two New Perks on iOS 27

Thursday July 2, 2026 6:10 am PDT by
If you pay for certain iCloud+ storage plans beyond the 5GB that Apple offers for free, you will receive two more perks on iOS 27 at no additional cost. A summary of the two new iCloud+ perks on iOS 27:Increased daily usage limits for some new Apple Intelligence features, including image generation in the revamped Image Playground app. HomeKit Secure Video cameras receive generated video...
iPhone 4 on Black Feature

Apple Facing One of Its Worst Leaks Since the iPhone 4

Thursday July 2, 2026 9:53 am PDT by
Apple supplier Tata Electronics recently suffered a cyberattack that resulted in thousands of confidential files being published on the dark web, and this reportedly included some photos and documents related to the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro. We have elected not to share any of the leaked photos in this story due to the illegal nature in which they were obtained, but they can easily be found...
American Express Gold Apple Pay Feature

American Express Announces New Apple Pay Feature

Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:27 am PDT by
American Express today announced that you can now redeem Membership Rewards points when checking out with Apple Pay on the web and in apps on the iPhone and iPad. When checking out with Apple Pay on iOS 18 or iPadOS 18 or later, tap on your eligible American Express card (Platinum, Gold, Green, and others) and select the Membership Rewards points option. You can use points to cover all or...