Among all the recent changes being made to Android Auto, there’s the latest Google Map update that lets you access Google Maps even while using Android Auto. Android Auto has long had a vexing limitation that prohibits Google Maps from being launched on the linked phone, but that looks to be changing.
Details on the latest Google Map update
Several Android Auto users have noted that the latest Google Map update for Android as well as the Android Auto app have enabled the usage of Maps on phones while Android Auto is operating. The update is a significant one for the platform, since before Maps on the phone would display an error message stating that the app could not be launched while Android Auto was operating.
This has been infuriating, given Android Auto’s Maps version is restricted in comparison to the one on the phone. The phone app, for example, allows additional data about destinations as well as user-created lists of places, although the Android Auto version does not.
This change does not appear to have spread widely, although a few users note that Google Maps may now be launched when Android Auto is active in a Reddit thread. The modification(the latest Google Map update) appears to be related to Google Maps v11.67.0701 and appears to function independently of the Android Auto app version.
Despite having that version of Maps installed, some users report the program being barred from opening, implying a flaw. Given that this is the first time this has occurred, we suspect it is deliberate. Meanwhile, 9to5google was able to access Maps while Android Auto was operating without difficulty on Maps v11.67.0702 on a Pixel 7 Pro to duplicate the functionality. The latest Google Map update will probably get to more smartphones in the coming weeks – Google has got quite a few Android Auto issues on its hands lately.