Google Maps is switching from a custom share sheet to the native Android solution. The latest update for the app released earlier this week brings a new share sheet. The company previously dropped its custom share sheet from Chrome and Photos.
Google Maps updated with Android’s native share sheet
Google, the developer of the Android operating system, offers dozens of first-party apps for Android devices. Some come bundled with the OS, while others are available to download from the Play Store. Interestingly, all of the apps don’t share the same design language. The YouTube family of apps, for example, has a different design language.
Many first-party Google apps also use a custom share sheet. The company has been moving them to the native version lately. Google Maps is the latest to make the switch. As spotted by 9to5Google, version 11.122 of the navigation app comes with the Android share sheet, ditching its custom solution for a more uniform and consistent look.
Previously, the share button in Google Maps pulled up a full-screen UI with a close button at the top left corner. Your profile picture, name, and email address appeared below as part of a “Sharing as” indicator. The bottom sheet featured a “To” section where you could quickly type a name, phone number, or email to find a contact. Below it was a carousel of Suggestions, followed by app shortcuts, including Copy and More buttons.
With the latest update, Google Maps gets Android 14‘s system share sheet. It isn’t a full-screen UI, meaning the “Sharing as” indicator at the top is gone, and so is the close button. The link you are sharing appears at the top of the sheet, complete with the place’s name and an image. Suggested contacts and apps appear below. As said earlier, Google Chrome and Google Photos have also picked up a similar change.
The update is rolling out via the Google Play Store
Version 11.122 of Google Maps is now rolling out via the Google Play Store. However, the change seems to be enabled with a server-side update. The new version doesn’t yet bring the updated share sheet on our devices. You can check on your device after installing the update. The share button is also now placed more prominently at the top when you are viewing a full listing on Google Maps. It appears next to the search icon. This makes sharing locations easier.
