Google Maps Ask Maps AI feature brings Gemini chat to your map screen in limited rollout

Ask Maps could change how you use Google Maps, if you can access it - Phandroid

Google's testing a new feature called Google Maps Ask Maps that puts Gemini AI directly on your main map screen. According to an APK teardown by Android Authority, the feature shows up as a chip you can tap to start a conversation with Gemini about places, routes, and activities. But there's a catch: Google's only rolling this out to a small batch of users as an experimental feature. The company's adding a "Try new features" section in Google Maps settings where people can opt into experiments like Ask Maps. Spots appear to be limited, so even if you see the option, you might not get access right away. Google's been testing this since at least October 2025, but now it looks like they're finally ready to let some users actually try it. The Google Maps Ask Maps feature works similarly to how Gemini already handles navigation for walkers and cyclists. Tap the chip on your map screen and you'll see a Gemini-like conversation interface with suggestions to get you started. You can ask questions about places, plan activities, or get recommendations without typing searches the old-fashioned way. This builds on Google's existing Gemini integration that already powers conversational navigation and landmark-based directions. The difference is Ask Maps lives right on the main map screen instead of only appearing during active navigation. That makes it easier to explore and plan before you even start moving. Google's been aggressively pushing Gemini into every corner of Maps lately. You've got conversational driving features, hands-free walking directions, and AI-powered tips about restaurants before you visit. Ask Maps is just the next step in turning Maps from a static navigation tool into an AI assistant that understands what you're looking for. The limited rollout makes sense for something this experimental. Google will likely collect feedback from early users, fix whatever breaks, and gradually expand access before making it available to everyone. If you want in, your best bet is keeping Google Maps updated and checking that "Try new features" section in settings. Just don't expect to see it anytime soon.

Google Maps' New AI Feature Could Let You Chat About Places and Routes

* The new feature is reportedly called Ask Maps * It is currently under development * The Google Maps feature was spotted in Android app version 26.07 Google Maps could soon get a new artificial intelligence (AI) feature that will let users have conversations about locations and routes. As per the report, the Mountain View-based tech giant is working on a feature dubbed "Ask Maps," which brings a Gemini-like chat interface to the platform. If true, this would further integrate Maps as one of the company's AI ecosystem products, after it released hands-free voice-based AI navigation assistance for several modes. With Ask Maps, the concept remains the same, but the conversations are said to take place via a text interface and users can ask about anything related to the platform. Google Will Soon Let You Ask Maps According to an Android Authority report, the tech giant's new AI feature is currently under development. It was unearthed by the publication during the Android application package (APK) teardown of the Google Maps v26.07.01.867227976. Needless to say, the feature is currently not accessible to anyone, including the beta testers. Ask Maps interface Photo Credit: Android Authority A new chip will reportedly be visible underneath the text box on Google Maps once the feature becomes available. Based on screenshots shared by the publication, the chip has a Gemini sparkle logo along with the text "Ask Maps." Tapping the chip opens a bottom sheet with a Gemini-like interface complete with a text box. Users can likely type their queries or discussion topics and receive answers from the chatbot. Google might closely integrate the AI model powering the chatbot with the Maps database, enabling it to better answer the app-specific queries. The functionality of the chatbot remains unclear, but it appears that users might be able to ask questions about locations, routes, listings, and anything that users can manually look up on the platform. The publication claimed that initially, the experience will be available as an experimental feature that can be activated via Settings. The report mentions a new section in the menu dubbed "Try new features," which comes with the description "Get a first look at new features as they roll out." During the APK teardown process, Ask Maps needs to be activated via this menu. Within the code snippet, the publication also found a banner which states, "Spots are full right now, but more are opening soon. Check back later." Based on this, it appears that initally, the company might release the feature to a small subset of users. Do note that the abovementioned information was sourced from a reported APK teardown, and sometimes planned features are axed before they make it to the public. Even the features that are released are sometimes vastly different than the initial avatar. Hence, it is recommended to take the information about Ask Maps with a pinch of salt, and wait until Google announces it officially.