Waze on iOS Kills Buggy Google Assistant for 'Conversational Reporting'

Waze is removing Google Assistant support from its iOS app after more than a year of buggy behavior and functionality issues, and will replace it with a new Gemini-based "Conversational Reporting" feature that aims to make hands-free navigation safer and more intuitive.

Waze logo
As reported by Tech-Issues Today, the Google-owned navigation app has acknowledged that iOS users have experienced significant problems with Google Assistant integration, which has led to the decision to nix the feature rather than continue attempts to fix it. However, for Waze users on Android, where issues haven't cropped up, Google Assistant will remain in place.

The new Conversational Reporting system, currently in beta testing with select users, allows drivers to report road hazards and traffic conditions using natural language. Instead of memorizing specific command phrases, users can speak normally with statements like "There's a crash up ahead," and the app will understand and process the information.

If more details are needed, the system can engage in a dialogue, asking follow-up questions like "Can you tell me more about the crash?" The conversational approach aims to keep driver distraction to a minimum while maximizing the usefulness of community-reported information.


The transition is already underway – Google Assistant is being phased out of the iOS app immediately. While Waze hasn't announced a specific release date for the Gemini-powered replacement, it's expected to launch widely after the beta testing period concludes.

The switch follows a number of recently introduced new Waze features, such as school zone alerts to warn drivers to reduce speed near educational institutions.

Tag: Waze

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Top Rated Comments

rodpascoe Avatar
3 weeks ago
Those saying that Waze is inferior to Apple & Google Maps have clearly never used Waze for any length of time.

Waze is simply head and shoulders above any other mapping app for driving. The road alerts, speed trap warnings, etc are invaluable.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WarmWinterHat Avatar
3 weeks ago

Maybe, but it certainly doesn't beat Google Maps and is roughly 10x uglier and more cluttered.
For routing around traffic issues, it beats Google and Apple by several miles... and it lets me avoid left-hand turns through intersections, which no other mapping app does.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
vertsix Avatar
3 weeks ago
Google and killing something. Name a more iconic duo.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Jay Tee Avatar
3 weeks ago

Every time I see this app I'm amazed that anyone uses it...it's sooooooooooo ugly.
Beats Apple Maps outside the US. If you’re on the expressway and Waze tells you to exit early, do it!
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
HighwaySnowman Avatar
3 weeks ago

Also, let’s be honest: you’re using Waze for the police reporting and camera warnings.
Yes. Yes I am.

That's a FAR more important feature for me than anything else it offers. But I also like the fact that if there's a map problem, I can fix it with Waze, I don't have to rely on the incompetent fools at Apple or Google to fix it.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rp100 Avatar
3 weeks ago
Google Maps has better overall experience. However, I have personally experienced Waze re-routing that detected a traffic jam, had me exit on some random road in West Virginia, drive 20 minutes down the road, and ultimately detour around a backup that was miles long. The traffic jam was not there when I started - it did this dynamically while I was driving down the interstate.

Google Maps does this to some extent, but not as ambitiously as Waze.

Also, let’s be honest: you’re using Waze for the police reporting and camera warnings.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)