Widgets have been significantly revamped in Android 12, and Google seems to be focusing on home screen controls for many major apps. This seems to include Google Maps.

Reddit user u/Matieu_G_Gagnon posted a screenshot of the all-new Google Maps widget in the app's latest beta version (v11.3.0). Apparently, Google is trying to bring the search bar and the handy Google Maps shortcut directly to the home screen.

Currently, the widgets offered by Google Maps are rather weak: five home screen widgets are available, which are essentially shortcuts to a selection of Google Maps features. These include directions, drive mode, share your current location, see where your friends are, view local traffic conditions, etc. [Other Google apps, such as Gmail and Keep, allow users to pin a condensed version of the app itself to their home screen. Additionally, two of the Google Maps shortcuts did not even pin properly to my home screen.

The new Google Maps widget is very simple and reminiscent of the iOS Maps widget. However, it is based entirely on Material You design, rather than the classic Google Maps look you see on the iPhone.

The widget seems to have all the essential shortcuts for navigating on the road without actually having to find and open the Google Maps app. This includes a search bar, home and work buttons, and shortcuts to help you find restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, and other key locations around you.

In addition, widgets can be resized to fit your needs. However, the number of available shortcuts seems to depend on the home screen space of the new Google Maps widget. The absolute maximum number appears to be eight, and it is unclear if other customizations are allowed.

The new widgets are currently being rolled out, and according to XDA Developers, dynamic theming will be available on devices running Android 12. Also available in Android 11, but the widgets are the same as Google's other widgets seems to stick with the typical blue accents.