New basemap styling is coming soon to Google Maps Platform. This update to map styling includes a new default color palette, modernized pins, and improvements to map experiences and usability. All map styles will be automatically updated in March 2025. For more information on availability and how to opt in earlier, see
New map style for Google Maps Platform.
Enhancing Accessibility
The Maps SDK for Android includes built-in support for accessibility.
This section contains a high-level summary of the accessibility features that
are automatically enabled for any application using the API.
When users enable the TalkBack accessibility feature on their mobile devices,
each single swipe across the screen moves the focus from one UI element to the
next. (An alternative to single swiping is to explore UI elements by dragging a
finger over the interface.) As a UI element comes into focus, TalkBack reads out
the name of the element. If the user double-taps anywhere on the screen, the
focused action is performed.
For guidance on enhancing the accessibility of your Android app, refer to the
Android accessibility documentation. In particular, it's good
practice to add an announcement describing the map. To specify the text of the
announcement, call setContentDescription() on the view.
Except as otherwise noted, the content of this page is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License, and code samples are licensed under the Apache 2.0 License. For details, see the Google Developers Site Policies. Java is a registered trademark of Oracle and/or its affiliates.
Last updated 2025-03-01 UTC.
[null,null,["Last updated 2025-03-01 UTC."],[[["The Maps SDK for Android has built-in accessibility features automatically enabled for applications using the API."],["TalkBack allows users to navigate the map interface by swiping or dragging a finger, announcing UI elements as they come into focus, and performing actions with a double-tap."],["Developers should consider adding a map description announcement using `setContentDescription()` for improved accessibility."],["Further accessibility guidance can be found in the Android accessibility documentation."]]],["The Maps SDK for Android offers built-in accessibility features. When TalkBack is enabled, single swipes or dragging moves focus between UI elements, with TalkBack announcing the focused element's name. A double-tap performs the action associated with the focused element. Developers can enhance accessibility by adding a map description via `setContentDescription()`, as per the Android accessibility documentation.\n"]]
