Google Calendar apps get new reminders, but still don’t impress

Google Calendar has been my desktop calendar program of choice since 2008. On iOS, however, I always default to Apple’s Calendar app. Maybe it’s laziness, or I’m just not inspired to change. Google’s most recent update to its Calendar app for iOS and Android packs some welcome new features — but it’s still not going to make me switch from Apple’s calendar. Here’s why.

Google Calendar’s uninspired reminders

Google Calendar now has a “Reminders” feature. If you tap the “+” icon in the bottom right corner of the app, two options appear: “Event” and “Reminder.” Tap Reminder, and the app shows prompts to create specific reminders, such as “call,” “email,” “read,” or “make reservations.”

When you select an option, you see a second set of prompts. If you choose “make reservations,” for example, you can then select “make reservations for Friday” or “make plane reservations.” You can elaborate with text or just click “Done.” And additional options let you set reminders for specific times, designate them as “All-day,” or choose to make them repeat.

Unfortunately, the app doesn’t have location-aware reminders; you cannot add photos or “sub-notes” to reminders; and there’s no snooze buttons to hit when reminders kick in. You can, however, choose different push notification styles for your reminders.

(It’s worth noting that Apple’s Calendar app lacks its own reminders feature. Instead, Apple mobile devices have a dedicated Reminders app that puts time- and date-sensitive alerts on users’ calendars.)

Google Calendar still not optimized for iPad

I’m not interested in using one calendar app on my iPhone and another on my iPad Pro. And Google Calendar for iOS is not optimized for iPad displays. (Not surprisingly, the app is optimized for Android tablets.)

Small maps in Google Calendar ‘Schedule view’

Google Calendar’s more visual approach is a nice touch, however. The app’s “Schedule view” displays upcoming appointments along with small maps, for example, as long as you add addresses to appointments. Google Maps opens if you tap an address — a welcome option for those who prefer Google’s navigation app over Apple Maps.

Google Calendar on iOS also now supports 3D Touch, so you can quickly add new reminders and events. Like the dedicated Reminders feature, it’s a nice enhancement, but for me it’s not enough to replace Apple’s iOS Calendar app.