We may have to say goodbye to Google Maps soon. Although you can currently find the driving mode in the Android app, this will not be the case soon. This is evidenced by the clues found in the new version of Google Maps.
No more driving mode in Google Maps
After discontinuing Assistive Driving Mode in 2022, Google Maps is also planning to remove the Driving Mode feature from its Android app. Recently released code threads suggest that this change will happen in February 2024, with the improved Driving Mode UI set to be removed from the Google Maps Android app.
The Google Maps Driving Mode UI provides quick access to Assistant, Google Maps, and a launchpad for supported streaming apps, such as music, podcasts, and audiobooks. This interface has been enhanced with large buttons to simplify operation while driving.
Previously, Google Maps’ Assistive Driving Mode Dashboard, which served as a home screen containing a map, media suggestions, voice controls, and calling and texting functions, was discontinued. It was originally intended as a replacement for Android Auto on phone screens.
The code entries indicating the removal of driving mode from Google Maps are not yet active. Unlike Google Assistant’s driving mode dashboard, Google Maps’ driving mode is activated as soon as the user starts navigating and appears as a black bar at the bottom of the car’s display.
during 9to5Google
