Codes in the latest Google Maps app suggest an upcoming feature called “Ask Maps to order food,” according to an APK teardown by Android Authority.
The strings appear in version 26.27.00.941319029 and indicate that Google is working on allowing users to find restaurants and place food orders through the Gemini-powered Ask Maps experience within a single conversation. This feature is not yet available in the public or beta versions of the app.
Google has not officially confirmed the feature. The teardown provides the clearest indication so far of the direction Google is taking with Maps and Gemini.
What The Google Maps Code Reveals About Food Ordering
The strings relate to a feature called “Ask Maps to order food.” One promotional message states: “Tell us what you’re craving, find local favorites, and Maps will order for you, even when you’re on the go.”
Additional strings found during the teardown include a shortcut labeled “Order food,” a “Try it out” button, and an option to dismiss the prompt for later.
The wording indicates that users will describe what they want in natural language, and Maps will locate a restaurant and place the order through Gemini, rather than redirecting users to a separate delivery app.
Ask Maps is Google’s AI assistant within Maps, powered by Gemini. It already allows users to find restaurants and attractions through natural language conversations instead of traditional keyword searches.
The food ordering feature would build on that, enabling a single conversation to go from discovering a restaurant to placing an order. If the feature is released as indicated, users wouldn’t need to switch to Uber Eats, DoorDash, or the restaurant’s own app to order.
Google previously offered restaurant ordering through Search, Assistant, and Maps in partnership with DoorDash and other delivery services. The Ask Maps version would add Gemini’s conversational interface on top of this existing infrastructure.
What Is Still Unknown About Ask Maps Ordering
Google has not enabled the “Ask Maps to order food” feature in the current version of Google Maps. Although the strings are present in the app’s code, there is no available interface for users to access.
APK teardowns often uncover features that Google is working on internally, but not every one of these features makes it into the final release. Google has not provided a timeline for rollout, nor details on the target markets, participating restaurants, or delivery partners at launch.
Several questions remain about the feature. It is unclear whether the ordering process will run in the cloud via Gemini or use on-device AI capabilities.
It is also uncertain if the feature will require newer hardware, such as the Pixel 10 series, which supports agentic AI actions including placing orders.
There is questions about whether the feature will be limited to pickup orders, given that the current strings seem aimed at users on the go, or if delivery options will also be supported.
Additionally, it is unknown which restaurants and delivery partners will be available at launch. Details on how payment and order confirmation will work through the Gemini conversation have not been provided.
The focus on pickup in the current strings suggests Google may be targeting users driving to a restaurant, with Maps handling the order while on the way. Delivery options through existing partners could be introduced later.
When The Feature Could Become Available
The “Ask Maps to order food” feature is not yet available in the public or beta versions of Google Maps. It was spotted in an APK teardown of Google Maps version 26.27.00.941319029, but there is no indication that an active rollout is underway.
Users cannot enable the feature through settings, hidden flags, or workarounds like ViveTool based on current information. Google has not confirmed the feature, so its wording and functionality may change before any public release.
Those interested in keeping an eye on the development can monitor updates through the Google Maps release notes and future APK teardowns as the app updates.
Google typically previews the Ask Maps and Gemini features through official channels like the Google Blog and Android Blog, which remain the most reliable sources for confirmation once the features are available in production.
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