Apple Maps displaying search outcomes for ‘Gulf of America’
Apple Maps has seemingly taken a half step in addressing america Gulf of Mexico renaming, but it surely is not clear if that is the everlasting resolution or a placeholder.
When President Trump took workplace on January 20, 2025, one of many first govt orders he signed modified the names of a number of areas out and in of america. Essentially the most controversial was the change from Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America.
Politicians had been fast to query Apple and Google on when the change could be mirrored of their respective mapping apps. Google responded by stating Google Maps could be up to date when the Geographic Names Data System (GNIS) was up to date — it nonetheless reveals the Gulf of Mexico.
Apple has remained silent concerning the subject, however a change has been made, even when it’s a small one. If customers navigate to the Gulf of Mexico, it nonetheless reveals the 400-year-old identify plain as day.
Nevertheless, if a person searches “Gulf of America,” the textual content over the Gulf modifications to mirror the search consequence, however the data sheet reveals knowledge and photographs concerning the Gulf of Mexico. This appears to be a working resolution that might stick, however there is no phrase from Apple if that’s the plan.
Google will change the identify for United States customers to Gulf of America. Customers exterior of america will see each names with one in parentheses, whereas individuals in Mexico will see solely Gulf of Mexico.
Apple Maps may nonetheless arrive at the same resolution. For now, the search time period no less than leads to the anticipated location — one thing Google nonetheless does not do.
It appears unlikely that this is able to be sufficient to fulfill some politicians, however it could be sufficient to stave off undesirable consideration. It walks a fantastic line between displaying the true identify of the placement and satisfying customers that seek for the time period, and it could be sufficient.
