Google Maps for iOS now offers real-time info on how crowded a place is

Google Maps has been offering information on customer numbers at places like coffee shops and restaurants since 2015, though the obvious drawback was that it didn’t account for things like special events. The company fixed that for the web version of the software last November, adding real-time data so you could discover with greater accuracy if you were likely to get a seat straight away or would have to stand in line for a while, in which case you could seek out a different place. The good news is that an update rolled out for the iOS app this week brings the same real-time functionality to the iPhone, a small but welcome tweak that makes the software even more useful. Google makes use of anonymized data from people’s smartphones to work out how crowded a particular business is, and then pushes it to the app so potential visitors can check ahead to work out the best time to go. When real-time data for a searched premises is available, you’ll see a “Live” badge just above the bar chart when you scroll down, followed by a description such as “not busy.” The new feature means you’ll be able to see when a one-off event is taking place at the location you’re researching, giving you more confidence when it comes to choosing a place to visit. Of course, the app continues to provide general information on busy times throughout the week based on data gathered over a long period of time, but the “live” feature takes the software up a notch. As before, you can also see the average amount of time a customer spends at the location you’re checking out, offering some potentially useful information on general customer flow. Version 4.27 of Google Maps, released on Thursday, also lets you quickly access addresses in your clipboard while searching. You can grab the update from the App Store here, or by hitting the App Store on your iPhone and tapping on the Updates tab bottom left. What’s happened? Apple has rolled out what might be its final major update for its current software platforms ahead of its total overhaul across all devices this fall. The iOS 18.6 update has rolled out to iPhone users, with other Apple devices also seeing an update in the form of iPadOS 18.6, macOS Sequoia 15.6, watchOS 11.6, tvOS 18.6, and visionOS 2.6. The summer months often mark the release of numerous new Android phones – most recently, we’ve seen many of the best foldables launch, such as the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Honor Magic V5 – but for fans of Apple’s ecosystem, it offers a glimpse into the future of Apple’s software.  WWDC is one of the most eagerly awaited events of the year, as Apple unveils the features that will set the iPhone apart over the next year, as well as breathe new life into many of the best iPhones of yesteryear. Occasionally, WWDC can focus on the features that impact the entire ecosystem, while at other times, Apple can focus specifically on one or two products.  Apple has finally opened the gates for the masses to test the next big iPhone software update. The public beta build of iOS 26 has finally been released, and it brings with it a whole bunch of new features and UI changes. The big draw, of course, is the new Liquid Glass design makeover.  To put it mildly, it has proved to be a controversial choice, and over the numerous developer updates that Apple has released so far, it has refined the glass-inspired UI design. To date, it remains a topic of hot discussion, but it’s here to stay regardless.  Upgrade your lifestyleDigital Trends helps readers keep tabs on the fast-paced world of tech with all the latest news, fun product reviews, insightful editorials, and one-of-a-kind sneak peeks.