Google Maps is switching from a custom share sheet to the native Android solution. The latest update to the app released earlier this week brings with it a new stock sheet. The company previously dropped its custom stock sheet from Chrome and Photos.
Google Maps updated with Android's own stock sheet
Google, the developer of the Android operating system, offers dozens of first-party apps for Android devices. Some come bundled with the operating system, while others are available for download from the Play Store. Interestingly, not all apps share the same design language. For example, the YouTube family of apps has a different design language.
Many native Google apps also use a custom share sheet. The company has recently moved them to the native version. Google Maps is the latest to make the switch. As noted by 9to5Google, version 11.122 of the navigation app comes with the Android share sheetwhere the custom solution was omitted for a more uniform and consistent look.
Previously, the share button in Google Maps displayed a full-screen user interface with a close button in the top left corner. Your profile photo, name and email address are shown below as part of the 'Share as' indicator. The bottom sheet had a “To” section where you could quickly type a name, phone number, or email address to find a contact. Below that was a carousel of suggestions, followed by app shortcuts, including Copy and More buttons.
With the latest update, Google Maps gets the system share sheet from Android 14. It's not a full-screen UI, which means the “Share As” indicator at the top is gone, as well as the Close button. The link you share will appear at the top of the sheet, complete with the name of the place and an image. Suggested contacts and apps are shown below. As mentioned earlier, Google Chrome and Google Photos have also picked up a similar change.
The update is being rolled out via the Google Play Store
Version 11.122 of Google Maps is now rollout via the Google Play Store. However, the change appears to be made possible with a server-side update. The new version does not yet bring the updated stock sheet to our devices. You can check your device after installing the update. The share button is also now more prominently placed at the top when viewing a full listing on Google Maps. It appears next to the search icon. This makes location sharing easier.
