Google Maps now has more ride-sharing options for iOS users after the latest update.
Following the initial release to Android users a week earlier, the latest Google Maps iOS app features a new ride-sharing tab that is designed to display the available ride-sharing options and quotes on the ride pricing.
Prior to the update, Google Maps had already incorporated Uber into its app a good while ago, allowing users to find out the price estimate for a ride after they have searched for a destination. It also allowed them to launch the Uber app from within the Maps in order to make a booking.
Users can now take advantage of the new dedicated ride-sharing tab brought by the latest released version, appearing as a taxi icon. The new tab is placed along with the existing tabs on walking, car and transit, which would instantly appear after one hits the Directions button found at the bottom right portion of the display.
Google has partnered with a number of ride-sharing services in a move that would make Google Maps a one-stop destination for ride-sharing patrons. These include 99Taxis for customers in Brazil; Mytaxi for customers in Poland, Switzerland, Spain, Austria and Germany; Ola for customers in India; Hailo for customers in the United Kingdom, Japan, Singapore, Spain and Ireland; and Gett which also caters to consumers from the United Kingdom.
"Google Maps makes navigating your world faster and easier," says the app description on iTunes. "In select countries, compare pickup times and prices of Uber, 99Taxis, Ola Cabs, Hailo, MyTaxi and Gett."
Lyft, Uber's competitor, doesn't seem like it has inked a partnership with Google yet, as it's obviously not added in the latest version of the app.
iOS users will also be able to compare prices and pickup times between the ride-sharing services if there are several services that are available in the country. This way, they can find the best deal that would fit their needs and budget requirement.
The latest version also has the new Spotlight Search support, which allows users to discover places that they recently saved and searched for within the app.
When Google released an update for its Maps app on iOS last month, it added notable features that include 3D Touch support and pit stops.
Lastly, the new version also allows users to save a number of route options that include walking, driving and bicycling.
Google Maps for iOS is available as a free downloadable app from iTunes.
