Click to Skip Ad
Closing in...

Google Maps for Android is getting updated – download it here before it’s released

Updated Dec 19th, 2018 8:58PM EST
Google Maps Android Download

If you buy through a BGR link, we may earn an affiliate commission, helping support our expert product labs.

Google just released Google Maps updates for both iOS and Android this past Wednesday. In the case of the iPhone app, there are some great new features that we took a closer look at in a recent post. Unfortunately, the update to the Android version of Google Maps wasn’t quite as exciting, with the only changes for Google Maps v9.5.1 listed as bug fixes and “tap the blue dot to get quick info on your current location.”

But don’t despair, Android users, because there’s already a newer version of Google Maps on the way that should be pushed out by Google soon — and you can already download it right now ahead of its official release.

MASSIVE SALE: Download over $100 worth of paid Android apps for free right now from Amazon

Google Maps v9.6 is inbound, and Android Police has all the key details. While the update certainly doesn’t bring any crazy new functionality to the app, it does add some nice new features and it’s a touch more substantial than the minor update Google let loose this past Wednesday.

The first addition is one that might seem somewhat minor, but it will actually be accompanied by a big sigh of relief for many users. As pictured below, users can now choose to have turn-by-turn instructions play on the phone’s speaker even while the device is connected to a car via Bluetooth.

Beyond that, Google Maps 9.6 also features Zagat ratings and reviews much more prominently, which obviously makes sense since Google owns Zagat.

The update will be released for Android devices at some point in the near future, but you don’t have to wait another minute. The official build of Google Maps 9.6 can be downloaded directly to your device from this link.

Zach Epstein
Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 10 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.