Google's Gemini voice helper now works in Maps on Apple CarPlay

Google has brought its Gemini AI helper to Google Maps on Apple CarPlay. US drivers can use it now. Google says a wider rollout is happening globally too. Android Auto, Google's own car system, got the same feature almost 12 months ago, so CarPlay users waited longer.

What it does

Gemini lets you talk to Google Maps while you drive. You can ask questions that have more than one step. For example, you can ask for places worth visiting, then tell it to take you there while avoiding toll roads. Google also describes it as a conversational way to report traffic problems and look up information about stops and places along the way.

To start it, tap the Gemini icon in Google Maps on your car's display.

What is not known yet

• Which countries get it, and when. Google has not given specific regional details, and The Verge has asked.
• Whether it costs anything. The material does not say.
• Whether CarPlay will get Personal Intelligence.

Personal Intelligence was announced yesterday for Android Auto and cars with Google built-in. It lets Gemini draw on information from Google apps such as Gmail, Calendar, Maps, Photos, YouTube and Search. Google did not mention it for CarPlay, and The Verge has asked if it is coming.