Apple Maps has officially changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America in its software as of Tuesday, a decision that comes in alignment with an executive order from former President Donald Trump. This change was noted by several users and parallels a similar modification made by Google Maps earlier in the week.
The name change for the Gulf of Mexico follows the U.S. Department of the Interior’s announcement in January, which cited Trump’s efforts to restore names that reflect American values. According to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), the official renaming process has been executed under Secretarial Order 3423.
Google Maps confirmed that the new name was now effective for U.S. users, while users from other countries can still observe both names. The renaming of Denali back to Mt. McKinley has also drawn attention, with Google stating that it adheres to governmental updates regarding geographic nomenclature.
As for Apple, Bloomberg reported that the updates would initially be visible to users in the U.S. before becoming available globally. Apple has not yet responded to inquiries regarding this name change.
Interestingly, Mexico has vocally opposed the renaming, with President Claudia Sheinbaum humorously suggesting the alteration of North America’s name to “Mexican America.” However, she later reaffirmed that the Gulf of Mexico will continue to be recognized as such in Mexico and internationally.
As this discussion unfolds, it highlights how geographic naming can serve as a reflection of national identity and sentiments, alongside the varied reactions from neighboring countries. The changes present an opportunity for a broader conversation about history, identity, and the significance of place names in fostering international relations.