Google has updated its Maps and search apps to add multiple iOS 16 Lock Screen widgets. Google announced the updates in a blog post. Both updates place commonly-used features on the Lock Screen.
“You’ll be able to unlock your device to access your favorite Google features in just one tap — and even see some updates right on your Lock Screen,” said Google’s Susie Wee, vice president of Cross-Product Experiences, in the blog post announcing the updates.
Google Maps
Google Maps now offers a single-width iOS 16 widget for searching. A Frequent Trips widget is also available, which takes users into the Google Map app, but first displays details of a trip that a user often undertakes, such as a commute.
On the Lock Screen, the Frequent Trips widget is double-width, showing the destination, an arrival time, and a few details about the journey.
Google Search
Google Search adds five possible widgets to the Lock Screen. Included is a launcher to go into the Google app, as well as Voice Search. This takes the user to the main app’s search feature, and then into the voice search.
Google also provides two widgets for Google Lens, including a general Lens search. Also available is a Lens Shortcut. Through this widget, users can translate text via the camera, or have Google read aloud any text it sees.
How to Install the Widgets
- Update to the latest version of Maps or Google
- Open the apps after the update
- Edit the Lock Screen
To add a widget to the Lock Screen, swipe down from the top of the iPhone display, and then press on the center of the screen. Then tap “Customize,” then tap your finger in the widgets box.
