Google introduces speedometer function within Maps application
In a move to enhance navigation and road safety, Google Maps has integrated speedometer and speed limit indicators on CarPlay, Apple's in-vehicle infotainment system.
Speed limit indicators, which show the posted speed limit for the current road, have been available in Google Maps on CarPlay since at least 2018 or 2019. These indicators are displayed in the lower-right or lower-left corner of the map while navigating, depending on the car’s infotainment system.
Unlike speed limit indicators, Google Maps does not natively display the vehicle’s current speed (a digital speedometer) on CarPlay. Most vehicles rely on their own instrument cluster or head-up display for current speed readings. However, with the advent of deeper CarPlay integrations, some vehicles are beginning to show Google Maps navigation instructions on the vehicle’s cockpit screen, although the actual speed is not displayed by Google Maps itself.
Apple’s “CarPlay Ultra,” launched in May 2025, offers much deeper integration, potentially allowing for real-time vehicle telemetry (including speed) to be displayed through curated instrument cluster themes powered by the iPhone. However, this feature is currently limited to a small number of vehicle brands and is not part of the standard CarPlay experience supporting Google Maps or other third-party apps.
In summary, speed limit indicators have been available in Google Maps on CarPlay for several years, while a digital speedometer is not natively provided by Google Maps on CarPlay. CarPlay Ultra offers deeper dashboard integration, but it is limited to select vehicles and not yet a standard for Google Maps or most automakers.
Users can enable the speedometer and speed limit indicators by going to Settings in Google Maps, then Navigation, and finding switches for these features. The speedometer changes colors when you go over the speed limit, reminding you to slow down. It is important to note that the speedometer is for informational use only, and your car's own speedometer takes precedence.
These features are not new innovations, as they were originally introduced by Waze in 2016. Google Maps is introducing these features to help users maintain the speed limit while navigating, making driving safer and more efficient. The speedometer and speed limit indicator will be available worldwide, and iPhone users and cars with CarPlay infotainment systems will be able to view their speed and speed limit using Google Maps.
[1] https://www.macworld.com/article/3541213/carplay-explained.html [2] https://www.motor1.com/news/337245/lucid-air-google-maps-carplay-integration/ [3] https://www.macworld.com/article/6813986/apple-carplay-ultra-announced.html
- With the integration of speedometer and speed limit indicators on CarPlay, Google Maps has joined other gadgets and smartphones in offering technology that enhances a driver's lifestyle by increasing road safety.
- While speed limit indicators have been a part of Google Maps on CarPlay since at least 2018, a digital speedometer is not natively provided by Google Maps, and most vehicles rely on their own instrument cluster or head-up display for speed readings.
- The car-maintenance aspect is not overlooked, as users can remain aware of their speed limit while navigating, which, in turn, may contribute to better car-maintenance habits by minimizing aggressive driving.
