Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) Maps, Google Maps, and Bing Maps have updated their platforms to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America for users in the United States. The change comes after an executive order issued by the Trump administration in January, directing official U.S. maps to adopt the new name. The Gulf of Mexico has long been a significant geographical feature for both the United States and Mexico, with historical relevance dating back to the 16th century. Along with this update, the order also requested the reversion of Denali’s name to Mount McKinley, though that change has not yet been reflected in mapping services.
Previously, Google Maps and other mapping services followed a policy of updating names based on official government sources like the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). In past instances, Google has adjusted place names in accordance with government designations, such as when it changed “Mount McKinley” to “Denali” following a federal decision in 2015. This latest change represents another instance of major tech companies aligning their platforms with evolving governmental nomenclature.
How Are Mapping Services Implementing the Update?
Google confirmed that the name update follows its standard procedure of modifying geographical labels based on government sources. Mobile users in the U.S. accessing Google Maps now see “Gulf of America,” while users in Mexico continue to see “Gulf of Mexico.” In other countries, the label appears as “Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America).” Google Earth has also been updated to reflect the change. Apple Maps applied the new name on February 11, with a phased global rollout planned. Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s Bing Maps similarly confirmed the update, stating that it follows the Geographic Names Information System for place names.
What Are the Reactions to the Name Change?
Microsoft emphasized its commitment to displaying accurate and current information.
“We are committed to providing users with accurate and up-to-date information. In accordance with established product policies, we are updating Bing Maps to reflect the Geographic Names Information System’s nomenclature in the United States, which includes changing the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America in the U.S.,”
Microsoft stated. Apple has not publicly commented beyond confirming the update to Bloomberg. Google previously stated that it would update its maps once government sources reflected the change.
“We have begun rolling out changes to reflect this update,”
the company announced.
Despite the swift implementation by major mapping platforms, the change has drawn mixed responses. Some observers view it as a symbolic decision, while others question the necessity of renaming a body of water recognized globally under its previous designation. Furthermore, the shift does not affect the name usage outside the U.S., where the Gulf of Mexico remains the official designation.
The renaming of the Gulf of Mexico follows other alterations to geographic names by U.S. administrations in the past. Not all such changes have been universally adopted, as seen with the Denali name change, where debate persisted. The latest executive order highlights how political leadership can influence cartographic representations, leading to adjustments by tech firms that prioritize government-recognized geographical terms.
While the Gulf of Mexico’s renaming has already taken effect on digital maps, the implementation of other name changes from the executive order remains pending. Notably, the request to revert Denali’s name to Mount McKinley has yet to be reflected in Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Bing Maps, as the change has not appeared in GNIS records. The developments underline how global mapping services balance government directives with international recognition of place names.
