Google Maps Set to Remove Two Features: What Users Need to Know About the Upcoming Changes

Tech
By 24matins.uk,  published 25 July 2025 at 18h31, updated on 25 July 2025 at 18h31.
Tech

Google Maps is set to remove two of its features soon, signaling a shift in how users will interact with the popular navigation app. This upcoming change could impact daily usage for millions who rely on these tools for travel and local discovery.

Tl;dr

  • Social following ends on Google Maps by September 2025.
  • User data on followers and subscriptions will be deleted.
  • New features and alternatives maintain local discovery tools.

    • A Social Shift for Google Maps

    A quiet but significant change is coming to Google Maps. Beginning in September 2025, the platform will discontinue its social following feature, preventing users from tracking contributions by others within the app. The move, quietly revealed through a support forum post—first highlighted by Tech-Issues Today—marks the end of an experiment that never truly found its stride. At the same time, all related data on followers and subscriptions will be automatically purged.

    Security Concerns vs. Community Value

    For those who relied on these social connections to find trusted reviews or shared photos of their favorite spots, this decision might feel like a step back. Yet, it’s hard to ignore the mounting frustrations reported over the past five years: complaints about bots sending unsolicited requests and disruptive notifications became increasingly common. By removing follower functionality, Google aims to reduce digital clutter and protect users who had grown weary of these nuisances.

    What Changes for Users?

    Despite this shift, not everything is lost in terms of community interaction. While direct profile following will disappear, users can still browse public contributions using a dedicated tab. Importantly, profile visibility controls remain unchanged; each individual retains the ability to hide or share specific content as desired.

    To help users maintain some sense of connection and personalized discovery, two alternatives are available:

  • The community-driven forum Local Guides Connect.
  • Customized lists within the app to organize favorite locations.

    • It’s worth noting that neither Apple Maps nor Waze offers comparable social tracking—so switching platforms won’t fill this particular void.

    Evolving Features Amid Setbacks

    The withdrawal from social networking doesn’t signal stagnation for Google Maps. On iOS, a fresh update now lets users plan routes based on geotagged screenshots; thanks to smart photo analysis, the app can suggest destinations seen online with surprising ease. Of course, hiccups persist: recently, a technical glitch temporarily disabled media playback for Android users—a bug which, according to company sources, is already being addressed.

    Ultimately, while this move may unsettle some loyalists, it underscores a broader intent by Google: streamlining its platform while introducing practical tools that continue to empower local exploration and sharing—even if it means letting go of certain social ambitions.