Apple Maps may seem like the natural navigation choice for iPhone users, given that it’s an Apple app, but it’s not the only option. Google Maps is another alternative and one of the most used navigation apps in the world.
Like Apple Maps, Google Maps also works in CarPlay, extending the navigation experience to the vehicle’s screen. But Google Maps is about to gain a useful new feature in CarPlay, according to recent discoveries made by Woozad in the code of the iOS version of the app. Google will soon integrate Gemini support into Google Maps for iPhone, bringing a hands-free navigation experience to CarPlay. Talking to an AI assistant about your surroundings and asking it to handle navigation is a safer option than manually tapping the screen to find places and set a route.
Google added support for Gemini to the iPhone’s Google Maps app in early 2026, bringing an Ask Maps feature to the app. However, the Ask Maps rollout was limited to US and Indian users. Separately, Apple added support for voice conversational apps to CarPlay via the iOS 26.4 update released earlier this year. The update means apps like ChatGPT can work in CarPlay, although they won’t replace Siri as the default voice assistant in CarPlay. Instead, users would have to open an app before they can interact hands-free with another AI. The same experience is now likely available on Google Maps in CarPlay.
The Gemini Experience in Google Maps for Apple CarPlay
Google hasn’t announced the new Gemini features in Google Maps for CarPlay, but Aaron Perris and Woozad have reported similar code discoveries in the Google Maps app for iPhone. A screenshot shared by Perris appears to indicate that Gemini will be available in Google Maps once the user accepts the new terms of service. The code strings also suggest that users will be able to interact with Gemini by voice, sending navigation-related commands to the AI. It’s unclear how voice chat will start, but it could mimic the iPhone experience for Gemini in Google Maps.
After opening the Google Maps app on iPhone, users can tap the Gemini icon to start a voice chat or use a “Hey Google” command. Opening the app is a key action because Google can’t offer system-wide support for Gemini on a platform it doesn’t control. Still, it would be a useful addition to CarPlay, potentially giving Google Maps fans a richer navigation experience than the current version.
However, conversing with an AI chatbot about navigation needs and points of interest on the map involves sharing personal data with Gemini, including location information. This is likely why the feature will require the user to agree to a new set of terms of service. It’s too early to say how Gemini-related data in Google Maps will be handled, but it’s something CarPlay users should keep in mind. As a reminder, AI companies can use data from chatbots to train future models.
The Gemini Browsing Experience on Android
The Google Maps code mentioned by Perris and Woozad doesn’t reveal all of Gemini’s features in CarPlay. It’s too early to tell if Google will be able to match the Android/Android Auto experience in CarPlay. Google released a major Google Maps update in November 2025, which brought several Gemini-based features to the navigation app for Android. Google demonstrated the new hands-free driving experience in Google Maps with the help of a few videos, like the clip above.
The user can ask Gemini about points of interest along the chosen route and the AI will respond. In the video, the user wants to know if there is a restaurant nearby with vegan options, then asks the AI if there is parking available. Once the user decides to go there, the AI updates the navigation route to include the new location. Drivers can also use Gemini voice chats to report traffic incidents via conversational language.
The conversation goes further on Android, where Gemini can integrate with other apps. The driver in the video above asks the AI to add a calendar event, which has nothing to do with navigation tasks. This type of multi-app experience likely won’t be available on iPhone and CarPlay, where Gemini interactions will likely be limited to the Google Maps app. Gemini can also be used in Google Maps on Android to share the ETA with friends, another feature that may not be available on iPhone.