Google has started rolling out Gemini, its new AI-powered assistant, to Google Maps users on Apple CarPlay. Following a troubled launch on Android Auto, Gemini’s arrival on CarPlay marks a notable move to upgrade the in-car navigation experience for iPhone users, beginning with those in the United States.
Gemini’s Features and Early Impressions on CarPlay
Gemini is designed as an advanced version of Google Assistant, capable of having more natural conversations and digging deeper into location data. For example, it can help users find “a coffee place that serves the best cappuccino nearby” by analyzing ratings and reviews, and then answer follow-up questions like “is it expensive?” by continuing the search contextually.
At least for some early users in Europe, Gemini on CarPlay appears responsive and more polished compared to its Android Auto counterpart. This version of Gemini allows drivers to interact using natural phrases rather than rigid commands, which includes submitting traffic reports without needing exact wording—saying “traffic has become a nightmare on this street” triggers a report of heavy congestion.
Known Issues and User Concerns
Despite being a technical upgrade, Gemini has received criticism from Android Auto users for being too talkative and occasionally buggy. This verbosity can cause distractions when driving, which users find frustrating. Reports suggest that while Gemini on CarPlay feels more refined, it still may not suit those who prefer minimal digital assistant chatter during trips.
Gemini’s bugs on Android Auto led some users to switch back to the older Google Assistant, hoping for improvements before the AI assistant becomes mandatory. The current rollout to CarPlay might face similar criticism if those issues persist.
Enhancing Traffic Reporting in Google Maps
One important addition with Gemini is its ability to improve user-submitted traffic reports on Google Maps. This feature first appeared on mobile devices and was expanded to CarPlay and Android Auto in 2024. Gemini now understands conversational traffic updates and can translate them into formal reports, helping keep maps more accurate.
Google is also using data from Waze, another navigation app it owns, to enrich these reports. However, Google Maps still focuses on common issues like accidents and roadworks, while Waze supports a wider range of incident types such as potholes or broken traffic lights. This difference keeps the two apps separate despite coming from the same parent company.
More users in other regions are expected to get Gemini on CarPlay in the coming months, although its reception will likely depend on whether the assistant strikes the right balance between helpfulness and distraction behind the wheel.
Source: autoevolution.com