Google Maps Driving Mode has been discontinued primarily because Google is replacing its Google Assistant system with a newer AI called Gemini, leading to the feature's removal as it was seen as redundant and inconsistent. Despite its discontinuation, Google Maps remains available, and users will likely benefit from the new AI integration in the future.
Google Maps' Driving Mode, a feature providing a user-friendly interface for drivers, may be removed in February 2024 according to code strings found by 9to5Google. This change follows the removal of the Assistant Driving Mode Dashboard in 2022. Google has not officially announced the removal, but it may be part of an effort to encourage voice control use for safer driving. Users who prefer touch controls for privacy or reliability reasons might be affected negatively by this change. Those concerned should consider cars with built-in Android Auto for future purchases.