A recent Google Maps update for iOS has left many iPhone users frustrated and quite literally disoriented. It appears a new bug is causing the map to stop rotating with the user’s direction when in navigation mode, making it incredibly difficult to follow routes. This issue affects users on their iPhones directly and through CarPlay.
Reports about the issue have been popping up on Reddit and even Google’s support forum. Typically, Google Maps rotates smoothly, keeping your direction of travel at the top of the screen. But now, it’s locking in a north-up orientation, regardless of which way you turn. Imagine trying to navigate city streets with the map constantly facing north while you’re making turns. It’s a recipe for missed exits and general confusion.
One user on Reddit described their experience, saying, “As of yesterday every time I use google maps in my car, it refuses to rotate with the direction I am going in. So when I have a turn somewhere, it’ll be off screen even if it’s 100 feet away.” This same issue has been noted on other threads, including those dedicated to CarPlay users, where the problem seems particularly prevalent.
Many users have tried common troubleshooting steps like restarting their phones, deleting and reinstalling the app, and toggling the “Always North” setting on and off. Unfortunately, these efforts haven’t fixed the problem for most. The general consensus is that this is a widespread bug introduced with the latest update.
This started happening to me too. It literally auto updated in the middle of me navigating, and now it won’t rotate.
Another user summed up the sheer frustration, stating,
It is unusable. You know it’s bad when you want to use Apple Maps over Google Maps.
Some have pointed out that the issue only occurs when a destination is entered and navigation is active. If you’re just Browse the map without directions, the rotation works just fine. This little detail suggests the problem is specific to the navigation function itself, rather than a broader mapping glitch. While Google has yet to release an official statement or a fix, users are hopeful that a patch will be pushed out soon. In the meantime, some are resorting to alternative navigation apps or even, as one person humorously noted, “Had to drag out the paper map on the road earlier this week.”
Featured image credit: kiyoxfo / Google support forum
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Dwayne Cubbins
1114 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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