Google Maps ‘Driving Mode’ on Android might go away in 2024

Google Maps ‘Driving Mode’ on Android might go away in 2024

In 2022, Google revealed it was eliminating the Assistant Driving Mode that offered a “Dashboard” homescreen. This left another enhanced UI in Google Maps for Android, which was likewise called “Driving Mode,” however that’s now likewise dealing with deprecation in February 2024.

About APK Insight: In this “APK Insight” post, we’ve decompiled the most recent variation of an application that Google submitted to the Play Store. When we decompile these files (called APKs, when it comes to Android apps), we’re able to see different lines of code within that mean possible future functions. Google might or might not ever deliver these functions, and our analysis of what they are might be imperfect. We’ll attempt to allow those that are better to being completed, nevertheless, to reveal you how they’ll search in case that they do deliver. With that in mind, kept reading.


The most recent Google app (variation 14.52) includes the following strings:

  • < string name="el_deprecation_pre_launch_tooltip_description"> >This view is disappearing in February
  • < string name="el_deprecation_post_launch_tooltip_description"> >To call, message, or play media while browsing, tap the mic to utilize Assistant.

Our company believe that this describes the staying “Driving Mode” in Google Maps for Android. The function that Google formerly eliminated was called the “Assistant Driving Mode Dashboard.” This offered a homescreen with a map, media recommendations, audio controls, along with calling and texting faster ways. This was suggested to change Android Auto for Phone Screensthough a lot of users viewed it as a downgrade.

Assistant Driving Mode Dashboard vs. Google Maps Driving Mode

In contrast, the Google Maps Driving Mode is accessed after beginning driving navigation and looks like a black bar at the bottom of your phone screen. There’s fast access to Assistant, Google Maps, and a launcher for suitable music, podcast, audiobook, and other streaming apps, along with an enhanced media UI with big touch targets.

Back in 2022, Google stated it was concentrating on the Maps Driving Mode and discovered that the majority of people were utilizing this experience over the Dashboard. With this disappearing, users may be directed to simply the Google Maps navigation mode (listed below)– “Hey Google, launch driving mode,” which presented quicker voice input powered by Assistant in June

The strings explaining the deprecation are not yet live today.

Thanks to JEB Decompilerfrom which some APK Insight teardowns advantage.

Dylan Roussel added to this short article


Include 9to5Google to your Google News feed.

FTC: We utilize earnings making vehicle affiliate links. More.

Learn more

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *