This new iPhone trick lets you share live Google Maps location, planned route and ETA with friends

GOOGLE is pushing a major update to the Google Maps app for iPhone – making it possible to share your live location.

It's a feature that's already very popular on rival service WhatsApp, and was already available to Google Maps users on Android phones.

2

The new iPhone feature will also let you share your ETA (or estimated time of arrival) with friends and family too.

It means you'll be able to crack on with your journey, and avoid having to constantly update mates with your progress.

But it's also a major safety boon for drivers who won't be tempted to provide journey updates when behind the wheel.

"Getting where you need to go is important, but making it to your destination safe and sound is the most important thing of all," said Samuel Mclean, who heads up Google Maps.

2

"Today, Google Maps is improving journey sharing on Android and bringing it to iOS, making it easier to share your ETA with loved ones so you can keep your hands off your phone and your eyes on the road."

So how does it work?

First, start navigating to a destination as you normally would.

Then tap on the upwards arrow icon that looks like this: ^.

You'll now see a new button that says "Share trip progress."

This lets you share your live location, your entire route, and even your ETA with contacts in your phone.

It's also possible to share these details to third-party apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and Line.

And don't worry about people snooping on your journey once it's over.

As soon as you arrive at your destination, your location will stop being shared.

MOST READ IN TECH

'BIO-DUCK'

Listen to unknown pulse deep in ocean that has baffled scientists for decades

NOTE FROM PAST

World’s oldest WRITING found in ancient tomb…but what it says is a mystery

GOOD CALL

New Android phone has IPHONE perk that NO-ONE else has - it'll make mates jealous

SHORELY NOT?

Terrifying Doomsday fish keep washing up - and it could be a bad omen

Google says that its journey sharing is now available for driving, walking and cycling navigation.

If you haven't got the new feature yet, make sure to go to the App Store app and check Updates to see if you're due an update.

If it's still not there, you may have to wait a few days – and updates can sometimes be a little slow to roll out.

Do you know any handy iPhone tricks? Let us know in the comments!

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368 . We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.