Sometimes, subtle features distinguish between good and great when using a software application. The most recent edition of Google Maps, coinciding with iOS 18, moves the bar forward for me when on the motorcycle in specific ways that then pairs well with some existing integrations.

I recently updated my phone ahead of a three-day tour to the Trinity Alps. Why update before a trip? I was looking forward to being able to control my phone via the Mac to give insulin doses at my desk without actually having my phone—I know, very much a niche feature, but I love it. Apple calls it iPhone Mirroring. But I digress…

Surprisingly, some Google Maps features popped up as a side effect of that update.

1. Navigation while locked

In prior versions of Google Maps, all of the navigation data was hidden inside the lock screen. Sure, I got notifications telling me to turn here or turn there, but those notifications felt disjointed – especially if I made a wrong turn. I also couldn’t tell when I would arrive or how much time I had remaining on my trip. Now, Google Maps has a persistent notification on the lock screen alerting me to that information. I don’t have to unlock my phone to get that basic travel information. Win!

Much like driving, I like to have stops and stretch breaks every 60 to 90 miles to keep myself limber and not tire too quickly on a long stretch. Also, it’s awesome to know when I’m 100 miles out from my destination. That additional second wind of sub 100 miles keeps me moving and focused on my destination. Not having to unlock my phone saves quite a bit of hassle. Also, the progress bar at the bottom visually represents where I am in the entire ride. Win!

2. Speed – and not just the limit

Google Maps has long been able to show the speed limit on any given road. That information has always been valuable as a double check to stay within the law. Often, during areas of active road construction, the information will be out of date, but most of the time, it’s good enough. Plus, because Google Maps pulls current information from the network, the maps continuously evolve.

Ironically, motorcycle speedometers are laughably inaccurate. On my Kawasaki and Suzuki motorcycles, I learned that the speedometer was about 10% too slow. I’d ride along the freeway at 65 miles an hour, and cars would aggressively pass me. It was so laughable I had somebody pace me, and sure enough, the motorcycle speedometer was about 10% slower than the car speedometer. An indicated 70 on the bike meant 63 on the road.

Garmin, over the years, has created GPS products for the motorcycle, but map updates were always expensive and the user interface was always significantly behind Google’s. The Garmin BMW Motorrad Navigator IV had numerous hardware issues with the screen and putting routes on the GPS required the cumbersome BaseCamp software. There must be some metal of honor Garmin gives out to its customers when you learn how to use BaseCamp. It’s that hard.

With this latest update, Google shows your current speed – effectively rendering the GPS obsolete for pavement based trips now that Google allows map downloads onto your phone. My phone isn’t waterproof, but I don’t ride in the rain much.

3. Google and Spotify

This is a small one and has been available for some time, but consider this one a shout out to the Spotify integration inside of Google Maps. Since upgrading to a BMW with the Wonder Wheel, the Spotify integration has become somewhat less valuable. The song title shows on the motorcycle’s TFT screen and the ability to switch tracks can natively be handled by pushing the Wonder Wheel from side to side.

What does the wonder wheel look like? Just push and pull on the wheel and the motorcycle changes track!