Google Maps just added a key missing feature in CarPlay – but not Android Auto

Apple CarPlay
CarPlay users are getting a Google Maps update first (Image credit: Apple)

At long last you can now use Google Maps to report something on the road – a crash, a speed trap, construction work – through Apple CarPlay, though for some reason the feature remains missing on Google's own Android Auto platform.

As reported by 9to5Google, CarPlay users have started spotting this functionality in their vehicles, though it doesn't seem to be live for everyone yet. If it's available, you should see a triangular hazard symbol on the right of the map.

This has been a long time coming: the reporting feature has been available in Google Maps on Android and iOS since 2019, so it's something of a mystery why it disappears as soon as you connect your phone to a car dashboard.

It's possible that an update for Android Auto is imminent as well, though we've seen no sign of it yet – and Google Maps doesn't always keep feature parity in terms of what it offers on CarPlay and what it offers on its own Android Auto.

Keeping drivers informed

Google Maps new public transit recommendations

The new Google Maps update should help drivers (Image credit: Google)

Crowdsourced user reports are a helpful way of keeping drivers informed about live conditions on their journey: you can file reports in Apple Maps and Waze (now owned by Google), as well as in Google Maps.

However, Apple Maps and Waze have for some time allowed you to file these reports through your car dashboard, as well as from your phone screen. Considering how many people now use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it seems an obvious option to add.

Perhaps we should be thankful that Google is finally getting around to updating the Google Maps interface on Apple CarPlay – let's hope a similar upgrade for drivers who connect to Android Auto isn't too far away.

The more people who can record accidents, slowdowns, lane closures, speed traps and so on, the better for drivers who may have to adapt their journeys. With Android 15 due to launch soon, we may see more improvements for Google Maps at the same time.

You might also like

David Nield
Freelance Contributor

Dave is a freelance tech journalist who has been writing about gadgets, apps and the web for more than two decades. Based out of Stockport, England, on TechRadar you'll find him covering news, features and reviews, particularly for phones, tablets and wearables. Working to ensure our breaking news coverage is the best in the business over weekends, David also has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci and a few other places besides, as well as being many years editing the likes of PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook.

Read more
An Android phone showing a Waze alert on Google Maps
Google Maps is ramping up its Waze-like incident reports – and that could split opinion among users
Waze
Waze 5.4 just gave you another reason to switch from Google Maps
Waze Update
Waze gets a big update that makes it easier to navigate to your favorite places
Google Maps on Android Auto
A recent Android Auto update has messed with Google Maps, and users aren’t happy about it
Android Automotive examples in EVs
Android Automotive is my favorite car infotainment system – and it's finally going to get a lot more apps soon
The Oppo Find N5 open to Google Maps
Android 16 brings a much-needed upgrade to Google Maps that iOS users already have
Latest in Phones
Google Pixel 9 on blue background with big savings text overlay
Forget Amazon, the best Pixel 9 deal is at Mint Mobile today - get $400 off without an annoying trade-in
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge on display the January 22, 2025 Galaxy Unpacked event.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge colors seemingly revealed in new video, and there’s another sign of an imminent launch
Apple iPhone 16 Pro REVIEW
The iPhone 17 Air looks impressively slim in this new comparison image, but that just makes me more worried about the specs
Two Android phones on a green and blue background showing Google Messages
Google Messages just added a fun upgrade to one of its best chat features
Samsung Galaxy S25 on a blue deals background
Bored with your iPhone? The ‘incredible’ Samsung Galaxy S25 just hit a record-low price in the Amazon Spring Sale
Samsung Galaxy S25 from the front
The Now Bar on Samsung One UI 7 is about to get a lot more useful – and could soon match Live Activities on iOS
Latest in News
An image of Pro-Ject's Flatten it closed and opened
Pro-Ject’s new vinyl flattener will fix any warped LPs you inadvertently buy on Record Store Day
EA Sports F1 25 promotional image featuring drivers Oscar Piastri, Carlos Sainz and Oliver Bearman.
F1 25 has been officially announced, with this year's entry marking a return for Braking Point and a 'significant overhaul' for My Team mode
Garmin clippd integration
Garmin's golf watches just got a big software integration upgrade to help you improve your game
Robert Downey Jr reveals himself as Doctor Doom to a delighted crowd at San Diego Comic-Con 2024
Marvel is currently making a major announcement about Avengers: Doomsday's cast on YouTube, and I think it's going to be a long-winded reveal
Samsung QN90F on yellow background
Samsung announces US prices for its 2025 mini-LED TV lineup, and it’s good and bad news
Nintendo Switch Lite
Forget the Nintendo Switch 2, the original Switch is getting one last hurrah in a surprise Nintendo Direct tomorrow