Google Maps for Android users will soon be able to access real-time weather information within the app, a feature that has been available for iOS users for years. Google is investing in delivering weather updates across all its apps, including the recent redesign of the weather UI on Pixel devices. There are also rumors that Google is working on a standalone weather app, which could enable additional features in the Clock app and make weather information more accessible.
The option to view local weather within the Maps app for iOS has been available for a long time, but Android users have been waiting for this feature. However, Google is finally introducing this feature to Maps for Android, almost four years after its debut on iOS. Nail Sadykov, editor of the Google News Telegram channel, shared screenshots of the new feature in Google Maps for Android. It appears as another tile in the search chips carousel and provides real-time weather information and air quality data for the location being viewed.
While it might have taken a while for Google to roll out this feature for Android, the company seems committed to providing weather updates across all devices. The weather UI within the Google app was recently overhauled with the Material You design upon the release of the Pixel Tablet in June 2023. The redesign is currently being rolled out to all Pixel phones and includes data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s sensor systems for improved accuracy.
In May 2023, there were rumors that Google was working on a standalone weather app. This app would eliminate the need to search for weather information within the Google app and could enable other apps like Google Clock to access weather data for additional features. While this standalone weather app has not been released yet, it is expected to be included in Google’s December Pixel Feature Drop, also known as Android 14 QPR1.
Having immediate access to weather data is crucial for many people to avoid severe weather and potential disasters. By incorporating weather information into a navigation app like Google Maps, users can make safer journeys. As weather events become more severe and frequent, it is important for Google to invest in providing reliable weather updates for Android users. However, there is still work to be done in streamlining the availability of weather apps and ensuring a seamless user experience.