Google Maps Redesign Brings Lightweight Sheets and Improved Navigation on Android

Google Maps Redesign for Android

In 2024, Google Maps for Android is undergoing a significant redesign that focuses on sheet-based layouts, replacing most full-screen UIs. Key changes include:

• Sheet-Based Layouts: Sheets with rounded corners are more prominent, allowing the map to remain visible in more areas of the app. This preserves context and gives the app a lighter appearance.
• New Navigation Elements: Place listings can be closed using an 'x' button or by swiping from the edge. The search bar no longer expands to show only the map when swiped up.
• Directions UI: When searching for directions, the initial screen remains full-screen. However, after entering a destination, the start and end locations are shown at the top, and mode switching is moved to the bottom for better reachability.
• Testing and Rollout: Google started testing this redesign in February but rolled it back due to issues. After making tweaks, another round of testing began in May. As of recently, the redesign is being more widely rolled out to the stable channel (version 11.136.x) on Android, though it's not yet available on iOS.
• Future Updates: Google plans to simplify the bottom bar to just three tabs.