Google Maps on the iPhone just got even better

Three major new updates are coming to Google Maps on iOS, designed to make getting everything you need from the app even more convenient They include new widgets, live location sharing, and a dark mode

There are many reasons to like Dark Mode Google Maps already has an iOS-only "night mode" that automatically activates when the sun goes down, but this is different This is a proper night mode that can be kept active at all times

The new dedicated dark mode will start rolling out in the "coming weeks" and can be turned on in Google Maps settings Simple enough

If you've ever had trouble explaining where you are, or need someone to track your location in real time, Google Maps has made it possible with iMessage just tap the Google Maps button in iMessage and a live location feed is sent to the person you are texting

The default option is one hour, but there is an option to extend location sharing for up to three days, and you can stop sharing at any time

Taking full advantage of the fact that home screen widgets are now on Apple phones, not one but two Google Maps widgets are coming to iOS The first is a simple search box that allows you to search for locations, navigate to your home or work, or check out local attractions from your home screen

The second is a live traffic widget that shows you exactly what the roads in your immediate area look like This allows you to see exactly what is going on at any given time and plan accordingly

Google Maps users can add both widgets in this way:

This is also easy and gives you instant access to Google Maps from your home screen