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Apple Maps renames Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America after official database update

Apple Maps slowly being updated with Gulf of Mexico name change

The Gulf of Mexico is now the Gulf of America on Apple Maps for users in the United States after a mapping database update and further criticism from Republican lawmakers.

It appeared that Apple would take a half-step in renaming the Gulf of Mexico by showing Gulf of America when users searched for the term, but that wasn't enough. After the official database run by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) finally updated with the new name, Apple is changing the name to satisfy the Republican lawmakers.

According to a report by Bloomberg on Tuesday afternoon, Apple will make the change for all Apple Maps users around the globe. It's not yet known what form that update will take.

Google changed the name for US users. For international Google Maps users, both names are presented with Gulf of America in parentheses.

The name change was proposed by US President Trump in an executive order signed on January 20. The move has been criticized by historians, mapmakers, and the Mexican government since the United States has no authority on what bodies of water outside of its jurisdiction are named.

Here's what the BGN update states:

Secretary's Order 3423 directs the Board on Geographic Names ("BGN") to immediately rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and to update the Geographic Names Information System to appropriately reflect the change. This Order implements President Trump's direction in Executive Order 14172, "Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness," that the name be changed.

It wasn't clear if Apple would make the change initially, as the company tends to lean towards progressive values and avoids making changes that aren't written in law. The Gulf of Mexico has been called such for over 400 years, and the whims of a nation's leader normally wouldn't cause the name to change universally.

However, the US President has been utilizing financial pressures through tariffs to try and ensure his demands are met. While such a threat wasn't levied against Apple publicly, tariffs targeting Apple's products or regulations affecting the company aren't out of the question considering other actions taken since inauguration.

Mounting pressure from Republican lawmakers that back the President's decisions also suggested Apple likely wouldn't be able to let the half-measure stand. That, and the official update from BGN, may have been enough to convince Apple to finally make the move.

Regardless of how people feel about the change, Apple likely didn't want to start a battle with the current administration over text on a digital map when it's already dealing with regulation battles abroad. The database rollout may still be occurring as the change isn't visible to all users.

Some report the Gulf being blank. Others see the Gulf of Mexico as text on the map, but the Gulf of America as text in the modal search box.

The previous information modal about the Gulf of Mexico no longer appears with photos and information about the body of water.

The Gulf of America modal doesn't have any photos or information beyond the name for now. Users should expect to see the updated name in Apple Maps soon.

37 Comments

Wesley Hilliard 5 Years · 416 comments

DAalseth said:
Apple is run by cowards. No matter what the --- in Chief says it IS the Gulf of Mexico. That is established by international treaty and standards. 

The US military will still call it Gulf of Mexico too. It's all just wishcasting and symbolism on the guy's part. A way of saying "look at how much power I have." A useless distraction that'll be undone.


I think Apple really had no choice here. It's one thing to say no to Russia, but the current administration will just enact vengeful regulations, fines, or tariffs until Apple does what they want. Apple is stuck between a rock and a hard place here. The best thing they can do as a company is appease the administration by changing text on a map and avoiding unneeded confrontation. The current administration's time in power is limited, so they only need to deal with it for a short term.

(Deleted original comment based on the political guidelines. Comment on the story and how you feel about it. The actions of the President speak for themselves and don't need our qualifiers for people to understand how we feel about it)

5 Likes · 4 Dislikes
DAalseth 7 Years · 3207 comments

I understand you deleting my original comment, that’s cool. 

I do think Apple should have stood up though. As the old saying goes “Evil triumphs when good men do nothing”. To just go along is to assure that next time the President will be emboldened.

9 Likes · 3 Dislikes
Wesley Hilliard 5 Years · 416 comments

DAalseth said:
I understand you deleting my original comment, that’s cool. 

I do think Apple should have stood up though. As the old saying goes “Evil triumphs when good men do nothing”. To just go along is to assure that next time the President will be emboldened.

It's certainly a tough spot to be in. I do not envy Tim Cook right now.

7 Likes · 4 Dislikes
tzterri 13 Years · 115 comments

From what I understand, it's only for American devices the rest of the world will still see the Gulf of Mexico.

As this is an executive action it will disappear with the next president. 

Are we great yet because I'm just embarrassed

15 Likes · 4 Dislikes