Google Maps might soon do more than just help you find a good place to eat – it could actually order your food for you.
The vigilant team at Android Authority has discovered hidden code in the latest Android version of the app, suggesting a new feature is in the works that would let you place food orders directly through Maps.
It appears that you'd be able to order while you're already driving to pick up your meal — hands-free. This could be a game-changer because it removes the hassle of ordering a takeaway in person and waiting for the additional time.
The leak suggests this would work with Ask Maps, the Gemini-powered tool that already lets you chat with the app about restaurants and recommendations. It's similar to having a helpful assistant like Alexa+, who can now take action on your behalf, not just offer suggestions.
The leak also arrives just as Google has announced a slew of new features coming to Android Auto, the smartphone-powered experience that takes over the infotainment system in your car.
The team at Android Authority also dug into version 26.27.00.941319029 of Google Maps for Android and found some rather telling text strings buried in the code.
Among the phrases spotted were "ask Maps to order food," "say what you're craving," and "Maps will order for you even while you're on the go."
The feature isn't live yet, but these strings appear to be part of how the Android app would introduce the new capability to users and encourage them to try it out.
No details regarding the availability on iOS have been revealed, either
There are also still plenty of questions about how this would actually work behind the scenes.
One big unknown is whether the ordering would be handled by Gemini in the cloud, or if it might require specific phone hardware – similar to how the Pixel 10 series has exclusive capabilities that can't be found. Therefore, the update may only be compatible with certain devices.
Google Maps doesn't typically have such restrictions, so fingers crossed that won't be the case here.
There's also the question of whether this could work alongside apps like Deliveroo and Uber Eats rather than competing with them directly – perhaps offering delivery options if you're not travelling to pick up yourself.
Gemini has been increasingly designed to be a one-stop AI assistant that helps you get things done across your device, rather than just answering questions. It can now help you shop for products, compare prices, plan trips, draft emails, summarise documents, and manage your calendar.
