Android Auto Finally Catches Up as Google Maps Gains Built-In Speedometer

Google has introduced a long-awaited feature for Android Auto users by adding a built-in speedometer to Google Maps. The update brings Android Auto into line with features that have already been available on smartphones and Apple’s CarPlay, addressing one of the most frequently noted omissions in Google’s in-car navigation platform.

The rollout is currently limited to selected beta users, but it signals a notable improvement for motorists who rely on Android Auto for everyday navigation.

Google Maps Speedometer Arrives on Android Auto

For years, Android Auto has offered a broad range of navigation and infotainment features, yet it lacked a built-in speedometer within Google Maps. Despite Google Maps offering the feature on Android smartphones since 2019 and on Apple CarPlay for the past two years, Android Auto users had been left waiting.

Reports of the new feature first emerged from Android Auto users on Reddit before being highlighted by technology publication 9to5Google.

The speedometer appears alongside the posted speed limit while users are actively navigating. If a driver exceeds the limit, the speed display changes colour—turning yellow and then red—to provide a clear visual indication that the vehicle is travelling above the legal limit.

When navigation is not active, Google Maps simply displays the vehicle’s current speed without the accompanying speed limit.

Limited Beta Rollout Underway

The feature has been spotted in Google Maps beta version 26.29.02.946673643. However, not every user running that version has received the update, suggesting Google is enabling the feature gradually through a server-side rollout.

As with many Google software releases, availability is expected to expand in stages before reaching all Android Auto users.

A Feature That Has Been Long Overdue

The arrival of the speedometer raises questions about why the functionality has taken so long to reach Android Auto.

Google-owned Waze has included a speedometer for many years, even before Google acquired the navigation service in 2013. Google Maps itself has also displayed speed information on Android smartphones since 2019, while Apple CarPlay users gained the same capability approximately two years ago.

Against that backdrop, Android Auto has remained one of the few Google navigation experiences without an integrated speed display until now.

Although Google has not commented publicly on the delay, the addition closes a notable gap in the platform’s feature set.

Why an On-Screen Speedometer Matters

Clearer Driving Information

Every modern vehicle is already equipped with a dashboard speedometer, but displaying speed directly within Google Maps offers an additional layer of convenience.

Seeing the vehicle’s speed immediately alongside the posted speed limit can help drivers monitor their speed without comparing information across different parts of the dashboard. While motorists in the UK must always follow roadside speed limit signs, the on-screen display provides a useful visual reference during navigation.

If the vehicle exceeds the detected speed limit, the colour-coded warning offers a straightforward reminder to reduce speed.

GPS-Based Speed Can Offer Greater Accuracy

Some automotive experts argue that GPS-derived speed measurements may more closely reflect a vehicle’s actual travelling speed than a traditional dashboard speedometer.

According to automotive publication Autoevolution, GPS calculates speed using the distance travelled over time. By comparison, a vehicle’s built-in speedometer estimates speed using data from wheel rotation and other factors. Manufacturers intentionally calibrate dashboard speedometers to remain within accepted industry tolerances, meaning they may display a slightly higher speed than the vehicle is actually travelling.

While both systems serve different purposes, the GPS reading can provide an additional point of reference for drivers.

What the Update Means for Android Auto Users

The introduction of a Google Maps speedometer represents a relatively small update, but one that addresses a long-standing request from Android Auto users.

By bringing feature parity with Google Maps on smartphones and Apple CarPlay, the update makes Android Auto a more complete navigation platform. As the rollout continues beyond the current beta release, more drivers are expected to gain access to the feature over the coming weeks.

For Android Auto users, the addition finally removes one of the platform’s most noticeable omissions, delivering a more informative and consistent navigation experience.

Graham Greene

Graham Greene is a contributor to Dealmakerz, covering news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on clear, accurate reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current affairs and developments that matter to them. His work highlights relevant stories, emerging trends, and key issues, presenting them in a balanced, accessible, and reader-friendly way.