Doubled haploid (DH) technology is widely used in maize breeding because of its ability to produce 100% homozygous inbred lines within a short period of time. This efficiency has made DH technology an attractive tool for maize breeders, allowing its incorporation into breeding programs. This technology also facilitates advanced breeding techniques such as genome editing and the conversion of elite inbred lines into their cytoplasmic male sterility counterparts. The successful integration of DH technology into various maize breeding programs worldwide has spurred extensive research on the genetic basis and mechanisms underlying haploid induction, leading to the identification of key quantitative trait loci (QTL) aimed at improving efficiency and reducing costs. Additionally, new phenotypic markers are being explored for use along with the R1-nj marker to enhance the accuracy of haploid seed and plant identification. Efforts are underway to identify alternatives to colchicine, a toxic and carcinogenic compound commonly used for chromosome doubling. Nondestructive methods, such as nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy, and flow cytometry, are being developed to enable fast and accurate haploid identification and automate the process for large-scale breeding programs. As these advancements improve DH technology, the maize hybrid breeding paradigm is undergoing a substantial transformation. However, several challenges remain unaddressed.