Google Maps appears to be getting an upgrade here in the opening weeks of 2024 that enables 3D buildings to appear by default when using the iOS and Android apps in navigation mode.
This is a subtle but meaningful change that could affect millions of people if and when it rolls out to all Google Maps app users worldwide. While the apps have been able to display 3D models of buildings for some time now, you previously had to open the map layers menu and enable the "3D" map layer yourself to see them. Now, 3D buildings have started to show up in navigation mode without prompting for many users, giving them an additional visual cue as to how local buildings should look.
