Google is reportedly developing a new feature for Google Maps that could allow its AI assistant, Gemini, to place food orders directly from within the app. The feature was discovered in the Android beta version 26.27.00.941319029 by Android Authority through an APK teardown.

Internally referred to as "Ask Maps to order food," the feature appears to expand Maps' existing Gemini-powered "Ask Maps" tool, which currently helps users find restaurants and local businesses using natural-language queries.

Code strings found in the beta suggest users may be able to describe what they want to eat and have Maps identify nearby restaurants and place an order on their behalf. The feature also includes onboarding prompts such as "Try it out" and "Maybe later," indicating that Google is actively testing the capability.

If launched, the feature could streamline the food-ordering process by allowing users to search for restaurants, browse options and place orders without leaving Google Maps.

However, several details remain unclear. Google has not said whether orders would be processed through direct restaurant integrations or via third-party delivery platforms such as DoorDash and Uber Eats. Reports also differ on whether the feature will rely entirely on cloud-based Gemini AI or require newer on-device AI capabilities.

According to reports, users will still need to approve the final payment before an order is placed. Google had earlier indicated in a company blog post that food delivery ordering through conversations in Google Maps was part of its future plans. The company has not announced an official launch date, and the feature could still change or be shelved before its public release.