Waymo confirms it’s shaking up its Uber relationship in January 2028

Waymo will end its exclusivity with Uber in the Austin and Atlanta markets starting in January 2028, co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana confirmed to Bloomberg News. The company will offer rides directly through its own smartphone app, unlike Uber's current setup. Uber still plans to host Waymo robotaxis on its app for as long as the two companies agree. This development marks a shift in the relationship between the two companies, with Waymo seeking to provide a more consistent and reliable experience for riders.

• Waymo and Uber were previously in an exclusive agreement, but the end of this partnership could lead to more direct competition in the autonomous vehicle market.
• The decision comes after reports that Waymo was looking to exit its deal with Uber, which was set to expire in May 2028.
• Mawakana emphasized that the partnership was initially based on scale but now focuses on rider experience, with riders unsure whether they'll get a robotaxi or a human-driven car.
• Uber did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but it stated that it was Waymo's idea not to add a direct booking option in its app.

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