Google Maps brings incident reporting to Apple CarPlay

Since Google Maps introduced incident reporting in 2019, it has become an essential tool for drivers, allowing them to report and be alerted to various road conditions and obstructions. However, this handy feature has been notably absent from Android Auto and Apple CarPlay – until now.

The wait is over for CarPlay users, as Google Maps is finally rolling out incident reporting on this platform. This move, which has been eagerly anticipated by many, brings Google Maps one step closer to becoming the ultimate navigation tool, seamlessly integrating more advanced features into its interface.

Incident reporting on Google Maps allows users to report speed traps, accidents, construction, and other obstructions directly from the app. This feature has been available on smartphones for years but was frustratingly absent from car displays. But this is now changing, at least for Apple CarPlay users.

With the new update, which appears to be a server-side rollout, a dedicated incident reporting button appears on the CarPlay interface, similar to the one on smartphones. Users can quickly report incidents they encounter on the road, contributing to a more robust and reliable navigation experience for everyone.

Apple Maps supports incident reporting on CarPlay, and Waze, another popular navigation app (owned by Google), has always been ahead in this area. Waze recently revamped its reporting feature, ensuring it works seamlessly on both Android Auto and CarPlay. The latest Google Maps update brings it in line with these competitors.

The rollout of this feature has been met with excitement. CarPlay users who have received the update have started exploring its capabilities, reporting incidents just as they would on Waze. The initial feedback indicates a smooth transition, though some users noted the map’s slow loading times, which seem to have stabilized over time.

This new update leads to speculation about the future of Waze, given Google’s clear intention to integrate similar features into Google Maps. With such a massive global user base, Google Maps has the potential to outpace Waze if it continues to improve its incident reporting and rerouting capabilities, among other features.

For those who have been relying on separate apps for navigation and incident reporting, this integration offers a more streamlined, user-friendly experience. So, next time you hit the road with your iPhone, make sure to check out the new incident reporting feature on Google Maps via CarPlay.​