

Quick Summary
Google Maps is becoming a bit simpler, as an update starts to roll out.
It reduces the number of options on its bottom menu from five to three.
Google Maps is rolling out an update that was promised during this year's Google I/O conference, simplifying the app's core navigation.
For the avoidance of doubt, that doesn't have anything to do with its route-finding – rather, this is about how you get to different parts of the app. For a long while now, Google Maps has had five buttons at the bottom of its screen for you to tap on.
These have been Explore, Go, Saved, Contribute and Updates – but moving forward there are only going to be three. This will now be simply Explore, You and Contribute.
This works quite simply – trips and places you've Saved will now be available in lists under the You tab, while the notifications and messages that were collected in the Updates section are now located in a notification icon at the top-right of the display.
It might take a little getting used to, but Android users should have the chance to try out the new layout very soon, as it's apparently rolling out on that platform now. Apple iPhone users have a slight wait on their hands, though – it's seemingly not yet available on iOS or iPadOS devices.
In theory, this should all make for a cleaner experience, and given it's Google at the wheel you can imagine that everything's been tested endlessly to see how users actually interact with it all.
It comes hot on the heels of a change that might make more of a real-world difference, as Google rolled out further updates to how Maps displays live wildfires.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
The system makes it way easier to see where fires are raging in order to avoid travelling through affected areas, which could end up helping to save lives.
Both updates serve to underline how apps that are this widely used rarely stay still – there's always another change around the corner, whether a big one or small. Keep an eye out for the new layout in your Google Maps app to see whether you think this one's meaningful or not.
Max is T3's Staff Writer for the Tech section – with years of experience reporting on tech and entertainment. He's also a gaming expert, both with the games themselves and in testing accessories and consoles, having previously flexed that expertise at Pocket-lint as a features editor.
-
The UK gets a huge free streaming service that kicks off a new era for TV
Channel 5 and My5 merge to create something bigger and more exciting
By Rik Henderson Published
-
A Week on the Wrist with the Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch Mission to Earthphase – I was wrong about this watch
This MoonSwatch is a groundbreaking watch
By Sam Cross Published
-
Google Pixel 10 renders show the candy bar camera seems set to stay
It looks like there's not much change from the Pixel 9
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Google Pixel 9a hands-on video leaks – what it reveals about the forthcoming phone
If you’re going to leak a phone, this is the way to do it
By Chris Hall Published
-
Google could make smart glasses again to take on Apple Vision Pro
Google's going shopping for low-power eye-tracking technology
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Your Chromebook will soon gain a neat trick borrowed from Pixel phones
The update will help preserve the health of a Chromebook
By Chris Hall Published
-
Google Maps design update finally comes to iPhone after Android owners have enjoyed it for months
It should make one-handed use much easier
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
New Pixel 9a pics show iPhone 16e has a real fight on its hands
Here's the best look we've had at Google's budget phone so far
By Chris Hall Published
-
Google Pixel 10 tipped for a massive upgrade that makes a lot of sense
The next Pixel phone might offer something that's been missing from phones for many years
By Chris Hall Published
-
Your Smart TV could get a massive AI boost soon, but it does need one thing first
As long as your set runs Google TV, you could find it becomes even smarter soon
By Rik Henderson Published