Google Maps gifts Android users with a substantial update but iPhone will have to wait

Google Maps is the American tech giant’s solution to navigation and is hugely popular.

Google Maps is available on Android and iOS smartphones in addition to desktops.

Google frequently updates the software to add new and improved features.

And now Google Maps has received an update that allows users to keep up to date with their favourite locations.

The American tech giant is adding a duly titled “follow” button on different spots that will allow for updates to be delivered that inform when sales, events or other news occurs.

Explaining the change, Google said: “Ever wandered by your favourite store just to find out you missed a great sale? Or maybe you’re always the last of your friends to find out about the new hot spots opening in town.

“With more than 150 million places on Google Maps and millions of people looking for places to go, we made two updates so it’s even easier for you to keep up with the places you care about and find out about places coming soon.

“Those using Google Maps for Android can now follow places right from the app.

“Rolling out now, just search for that coffee shop you love or that clothing store you’ve been meaning to pop into and tap the ‘Follow’ button.

“Once you’ve followed places, news from them—like events, offers and other updates—will appear in the For you tab (where available, with more countries coming soon!).”

Google Maps users will also be able to find information on places before they have opened thanks to a new tool Google is dubbing “a free Business Profile”.

This will allow outlets to appear on Google Maps up to three months before they open.

Google went on: “For those of you who want to be in the know about all the new places opening around town, you’ll start seeing profiles for places before they even open on Google Maps for Android and mobile search—just look for the opening date in orange.

“Places that are opening soon can create a free Business Profile that will appear to people up to 3 months in advance of opening—letting trendsetters know ahead of time to mark their calendars.

“The feature is rolling out over the next few weeks and places interested in making sure their coming soon locations are shown on Maps and Search can get started with Google My Business here.”

Although Google was eager to detail the new feature for Android users, the firm did not mention if and when the feature will arrive for iPhone users.

Google Maps should be updated with the new additions automatically.

However, if you have not received the features, updates can be manually downloaded through the Google Play Store.