Uber is releasing an updated version of its app that aims to simplify and personalize the experience for customers.
The new app has a simpler home screen that takes the hassle out of a few extra taps when booking a ride or ordering a delivery. It also allows customers to access saved locations more easily, and some iPhone users can track the progress of a ride on their lock screen.
With the redesign, Uber aims to make the user experience so effortless and intuitive that more customers see Uber as the “one-stop shop to go anywhere and get everything,” said Jen You, chief of ride-hailing product at Uber.
“The redesigned Uber app has increased awareness and attention to a wider range of products, driving growth across industries,” you told AapkaDost. “This redesign aligns with our platform strategy by expanding the breadth and relevance of products that Uber customers can interact with every time they open the app, especially Uber One members who use more of our products more often and now have easier access to all offerings in their city.”
According to Uber, the release will go to “tens of millions” of customers in 1,200 cities around the world on Wednesday. Customers must make sure their devices and the Uber app are updated to see the new app.
A simpler home screen
Image Credits: Uber
Many users have had access to the new home screen for weeks (including myself and at least five other people I’ve checked in different cities). When the more widespread rollout happens today, users will have the option to take a tour of the new home screen once the app is updated. The new home screen includes carousels that ask a user for “More ways to use Uber”, “Ways to plan with Uber”, or “Ways to save with Uber” that provide options for services such as adding a stop along a route , connect to public transport , take a Lime e-scooter or choose a more comfortable ride.
A new “Services” tab at the bottom of the screen provides the user with all the ride and delivery offers available in that city, such as e-scooters, dining options, car rentals, package delivery, and bus charter services. There is also a new ‘Activity’ tab at the bottom of the screen that allows users to keep track of past and upcoming rides and Eats orders.
Getting to know you better
When a customer taps “Where To?” the new app will display “Saved Places” along with a suggestion of destinations and trip types based on a customer’s preferences, previous trips, and most likely destinations. The app continues to learn about the customer so that they can share more personalized recommendations in the future.
For example, if a user typically drives Uber Green, i.e. with drivers driving hybrid or electric vehicles, that will be the first option they see when they open the app. This type of preference would also push the app to offer other zero-emission rides. Or if a user is likely to book rides in advance, the new Uber app will display other pre-scheduled options on the home screen, the company said.
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iPhone users with iOS 16 or later can track their rides all on the lock screen without having to open the Uber app via a “dynamic island,” which is basically a little bubble that displays content running in the background. Today, users get notifications on their lock screen when a driver is on their way or is about to be picked up. The dynamic island continuously outputs information such as vehicle details – including driver photo, vehicle number plate, vehicle model and vehicle image – latest ETA information and travel status.
iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max users can also access the dynamic island, but only when the phone is unlocked. It appears at the top of the phone screen and stays there even if a user is busy with other apps.
Uber said live tracking and dynamic functionality will be available on the Uber Eats app in the coming months, and the company plans to roll out a similar feature to Android customers in the coming weeks.