Google Maps brings live speedometer feature to Android Auto

Google Maps is gradually introducing a built-in speedometer for Android Auto, bringing the in-car navigation platform closer to feature parity with Android smartphones and Apple CarPlay through a limited beta rollout.

Google has started rolling out a built-in speedometer for Google Maps on Android Auto, introducing a feature that Android Auto users have been requesting for years. The addition brings the in-car navigation platform closer to matching the capabilities already available on Android smartphones and Apple CarPlay.

According to user reports shared on Reddit and highlighted by some publications, the feature has begun appearing for a limited number of beta users running Google Maps version 26.29.02.946673643. The rollout appears to be server-side, meaning that updating the application alone may not immediately make the feature available to all eligible users.

The first reported sightings include at least one beta user in Canada, indicating that Google is initially testing the feature with a small group before expanding availability more broadly.

New feature enhances navigation experience

Once enabled, the speedometer is displayed alongside the speed limit indicator whenever speed limit information is available. Users have also reported that the speed display changes colour if the vehicle exceeds the posted speed limit, making it easier for drivers to notice without diverting their attention from the road for extended periods.

Google notes that the on-screen speedometer is intended as a reference tool and should not replace the vehicle's built-in speedometer for determining actual driving speed.

The arrival of the feature addresses a longstanding gap in Android Auto. While Google Maps has supported a live speedometer on Android smartphones for several years and extended the functionality to Apple CarPlay in 2024, Android Auto users had continued to wait for the same capability despite the platforms sharing similar navigation features.

The update is part of Google's broader effort to enhance the Android Auto navigation experience. The company has also been introducing additional improvements to Google Maps, including a more immersive interface featuring 3D building visualisations, enhanced lane guidance and clearer highway interchange displays.

Although the speedometer is currently available only to a limited number of beta users, the phased rollout suggests that Google is preparing to make the feature more widely available in future updates, further strengthening the navigation capabilities of Android Auto.