Google Maps brings Gemini to Apple CarPlay: Here’s how to use it

Google Maps is one of the most useful apps for your car’s dashboard, especially when you’re going somewhere. But let’s say you’re heading out for the weekend and haven’t quite figured out where to go. You could spend a few minutes searching for places on your phone, checking the weather, and figuring out the best route. Or you could ask Gemini to handle it.

That’s exactly what Google is bringing to Apple CarPlay. Gemini is rolling out in Google Maps on CarPlay, giving you a conversational AI assistant that can help you find places, plan trips, and navigate without typing multiple searches. The best part is you don’t need to know where you’re going before asking for directions.

Your Google Maps experience is getting a lot more conversational

Until now, using Google Maps on CarPlay has largely meant searching for a destination, choosing a route, and following directions. Gemini adds another layer by letting you describe what you’re looking for in plain language. For example, if you’re visiting a new city and want to find a scenic spot with a great view, you can ask Gemini to recommend somewhere that fits the description. 

Once it suggests a destination, you can keep the conversation going. You might want to know whether the weather is suitable for a visit or if there’s a better time to avoid crowds. Gemini can help answer those questions before you decide to head out. When you’re ready, you can ask it to start navigation while avoiding toll roads, all in the same conversation. Basically, it’s a much more natural way to interact with Google Maps, especially when you’re behind the wheel and would rather keep your attention on the road than fiddle with your car’s screen.

Here’s how you can try Gemini on Apple CarPlay

Once the feature reaches your device, open Google Maps on your CarPlay display and tap the Gemini icon. From there, you can ask questions, discover new places, and get directions without jumping between apps or typing multiple searches.

Google says Gemini is rolling out to Google Maps on CarPlay wherever the AI assistant is already supported, although availability may vary as the rollout progresses. Interestingly, this also gives CarPlay users another option beyond Siri. I’ve already received the feature on my CarPlay setup, and it’s nice to see Google bringing more of Gemini’s capabilities to Apple’s in-car platform. If you use Google Maps while driving as often as I do, this could make everything from your daily commute to an unplanned weekend getaway a little more convenient.