Google Maps Tests One-Tap Location Sharing Button on Android

Overview

• A new floating action button above the compass uses a hybrid pin/share icon and opens the location sharing menu immediately.
• The update bypasses today’s multi-step flow that requires centering the map, tapping the blue dot, and then choosing the share option.
• Google is also trialing a simplified in-drive interface that swaps the dense bottom sheet for five large, easy-to-tap icons.
• The features were found in Google Maps version 26.12.03.884026066 by enabling hidden flags and have not been publicly rolled out.
• Separately, Google Messages is widely rolling out real-time location sharing, underscoring broader work on location features across Google apps.