Google appears to be working on another major upgrade for Google Maps that could transform how people order food. A newly discovered feature suggests the navigation app may soon allow users to search for restaurants and place food orders directly through its built-in artificial intelligence assistant.
If introduced, the feature would expand the capabilities of Ask Maps, Google’s AI-powered recommendation tool, moving beyond simply suggesting restaurants to actually completing food orders on behalf of users.
According to Android Authority, the discovery was made during an APK teardown of Google Maps version 26.27.00.941319029 for Android. Although the feature is not yet available to the public, hidden code within the app points to Google’s ongoing development efforts.
AI Could Handle Food Orders Automatically
The leaked code includes several text strings describing a new feature called “Ask Maps to order food.”
One description explains that users will be able to describe what they are craving, discover nearby restaurants, and allow Google Maps to place the order automatically, even while travelling.
The hidden text reads:
“Say what you’re craving, discover local favorites, and Maps will order for you—even while you’re on the go.”
This suggests that users may soon be able to complete an entire food ordering process without leaving the Google Maps app.
Building on Ask Maps and Gemini AI
Google introduced Ask Maps earlier this year as part of its growing integration of Gemini artificial intelligence across its products.
The feature currently helps users find restaurants, attractions, and other places based on natural language requests rather than simple keyword searches.
If the leaked functionality becomes official, Ask Maps would evolve from being a recommendation engine into an AI assistant capable of taking action for users by placing restaurant orders directly.
This would be another step toward Google’s broader vision of “agentic AI,” where AI assistants not only answer questions but also perform tasks on behalf of users.
Several Questions Still Remain
While the hidden code clearly references food ordering, many details remain unknown.
It is not yet clear how Google intends to process the orders or whether the feature will rely entirely on cloud-based Gemini AI.
Another possibility is that certain advanced capabilities could require newer smartphone hardware. Google recently introduced more advanced AI agent features on the Pixel 10 series, raising speculation that similar hardware requirements could apply here.
However, because Google Maps has traditionally worked consistently across a wide range of Android devices, many users will hope the new functionality remains broadly available.
Still Under Development
Since the feature was discovered through an APK teardown, there is no guarantee it will appear in a future public release.
APK teardowns often reveal features that are still under active development, and Google may modify, delay, or even cancel them before launch.
Nevertheless, the discovery offers an early glimpse into Google’s continued efforts to make Maps more than just a navigation app by integrating practical AI-powered tools that simplify everyday tasks.
If the feature is officially released, users could eventually search for a restaurant, receive AI recommendations, place an order, and navigate to the pickup location, all within a single application.
As reported by Android Authority, Google has not yet announced when or if the feature will become available.
Source: According to Android Authority.
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