Back in May 2013 Google introduced a brand new version of Google Maps which officially replaced the old version 9-months later.

That old version was still available to many, those who were using old browsers such as Internet Explorer 8 or 9. But now, even for older browsers, Google is going to drop the old version of Google Maps for a new and improved “Lite mode.”

Abby from The Google Maps Team announced this in the Google Maps Help forum saying:

The new lite mode will make the maps load faster, you have an older browser or OS and 3D Earth view and other 3D imagery won’t work – that is when you’ll see it.

Google created a help document answering some common questions about this update.

Google has not given a specific date for this change but they did say soon.

Forum discussion at Google Maps Help.