Introduction

Google Maps has introduced a smart new feature designed to make finding saved locations easier for iPhone users. Now rolling out in the United States, this update enables the app to recognize screenshots with location information and suggest directions, significantly enhancing user convenience.

How the New Feature Works

Using Google’s Gemini AI technology, the new tool scans a user’s photo library to identify images and screenshots that include location details. These are then compiled into a carousel format, making it easier to browse through and manage saved locations.

Users can manually select which screenshots to keep and which to remove, offering full control over their content. For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, the feature also allows users to manually add screenshots one at a time.

Dedicated ‘Screenshots’ Tab for Easy Access

To keep things organized, Google Maps now features a new “Screenshots” tab located under the “You” section in the app. This tab stores all the locations extracted from users’ screenshots, so they can quickly find places they’ve previously saved through images.

This makes it especially useful for travel planning, saving restaurant recommendations, or revisiting memorable spots captured in photos.

Privacy and User Control

For users concerned about privacy, Google has made the feature optional. A prominent button at the bottom of the screenshots carousel allows users to disable the feature entirely, ensuring their photo data remains private if they so choose.

Availability and Rollout

Currently, this new feature is only available on iOS devices in the United States. Google has not provided a timeline for when the feature might become available for Android users, but its arrival is expected in the near future.

A Step Forward in Smarter Navigation

This update reflects Google’s ongoing effort to enhance navigation through smarter, AI-powered features. By integrating visual content with real-time mapping, Google Maps is bridging the gap between users’ photo memories and the physical locations they represent.

For iPhone users in the U.S., this marks a convenient new way to manage and revisit saved locations, all with just a few taps.