Apple Maps Adopts 'Gulf of America', Omits 'Mount McKinley' in EU

In a significant update to its mapping service, Apple has begun the process of renaming the 'Gulf of Mexico' to the 'Gulf of America', following a directive from the U.S. President. This change mirrors a similar move made by Google, which also announced plans to rebrand the iconic body of water. This decision aligns with the recent proclamation from President Donald J. Trump, who reaffirmed the name change during a flight on Air Force One.

While the official renaming is still rolling out in the United States, users in Europe can already search for the 'Gulf of America' in Apple Maps. Although the mapping interface still displays the old name, the search function correctly directs users to the updated designation. This discrepancy arises from the databases utilized by tech giants like Apple and Google, with the U.S. Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) being the primary source for American geographical names.

In contrast to Apple's approach, Google has opted for a dual-display strategy. The company plans to continue showing 'Gulf of Mexico' prominently to Mexican users while also including the new name in smaller print for the rest of the world. It remains unclear how Apple will manage this naming convention in international markets.

The name change for the Gulf of Mexico is part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to emphasize patriotism through geographical nomenclature. The administration has also reinstated the name 'Mount McKinley' for the mountain in Alaska, which had previously been renamed 'Mount Denali'. This decision has led to confusion in Apple Maps, where users saw both names displayed at different times. Currently, the application reflects the name 'Mount Denali', but it is expected that 'Mount McKinley' will reappear in the near future, as Apple adheres to the GNIS guidelines.

Trump's administration characterizes these changes as part of a patriotic agenda aimed at restoring names that honor American heritage. The executive order issued shortly after his inauguration mandated that these changes be implemented within 30 days, reinforcing a narrative of national pride.

As these naming conventions evolve, users and map services will navigate the complexities of geographical identity and national sentiment, reflecting broader themes in contemporary American society.