Samsung’s One UI 7, unveiled at the Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event, is set to bring a significant enhancement by integrating Google Maps into its Now Bar feature. The Now Bar, which was introduced as part of Samsung’s new Galaxy AI suite, already provides users with a wide range of information and insights directly on the lock screen. This AI-driven feature is now poised to expand its capabilities by displaying live navigation from Google Maps, offering users even more convenience and functionality without needing to unlock their device.
Tipster Tarun Vats shared the exciting news on X (formerly Twitter), claiming that the live navigation feature from Google Maps was being integrated into the Now Bar. Vats observed the integration in the One UI 7 with Google Maps v25.04.01.717254420, suggesting that Samsung had initially added support for this feature at the launch of the operating system. However, it seems that Google recently made the feature available to users, bringing live navigation to the lock screen. With this integration, users can begin their navigation journey in Google Maps on their device, and seamlessly continue seeing live updates directly on the Now Bar, without needing to unlock their phone.
The integration is not just about navigation—it also supports Live Activities, adding a further layer of interactivity to the experience. According to the screenshots shared by the tipster, Google Maps notifications will also appear on the lock screen, alerting users about ongoing navigation in real time. This makes it even easier for users to stay informed about their trip without needing to constantly switch between apps or unlock their device.
Interestingly, while the live navigation feature was first introduced in Android 16, the current build of One UI 7 is based on Android 15. This suggests that Google may have made the feature available to Samsung’s operating system, allowing the integration to roll out ahead of the full Android 16 update. This collaboration between Samsung and Google signals an exciting advancement in One UI, making it an even more powerful and user-friendly interface for Galaxy device owners.
