Google overhauls Waze with first major update since the app was acquired

Waze has released a new iOS app update that features a more modern look for its traffic and navigation service. The update is geared toward helping users better navigate, report accidents and road issues, and share tips. In short, there’s more of a focus on the driver and on what Waze calls the “social driving experience.”

Over the years, Waze has made a series of updates aimed at simplifying its app, but while the app provided a useful service, some were been concerned that it wasn’t conducive to use while driving. The last time the company rolled out a significant update was three years ago, with improved guidance interface and the addition of text-to-speech capabilities.

The new app is certainly much cleaner than before, requiring fewer taps in order to start a drive, send locations, and get directions to your destination. And the map interface has also been given a face-lift so that it shares similar design qualities with the maps product of its Google-turned-Alphabet owners. In addition, drivers no longer need to tap on each alert, Waze version 4.0 will send alerts automatically.

Other updates include faster ways to send notification to the community about issues like accidents, objects blocking the road, and road closures, as well as an easier way to send your ETA to friends. There’s also a smart reminder feature that’ll remind you when you have to leave for events and parties based on the current traffic conditions and drive times.

In April, when users inquired why the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus weren’t supported yet, the company teased that a redesign was forthcoming. This release is only available for iPhone users right now, but Waze says it’ll be coming soon for Android.

Today’s update further integrates Waze into the Google core. The traffic and navigation app already has real-time incident reports incorporated into Google Maps, but this new version will give drivers a much better experience when trying to get around town.