Apple Rebrands Gulf of Mexico as Gulf of America Following Trump's Directive

Apple has followed in Google's footsteps by renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America on its Maps application, in accordance with an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump on his first day in office. This move comes after the U.S. government updated official maps to reflect the name change, while Google had made similar updates to its app earlier in the week. As of Tuesday, Microsoft's Bing Maps and MapQuest had yet to modify the name of the gulf.

Apple announced this adjustment for U.S. users on Tuesday, with plans to expand the change globally. The adjustment is applied across Apple’s various devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs, as well as on its recently launched web version, intended to compete with Google Maps. Critics had previously commended Google for complying with Trump's directive and promptly criticized Apple for its delayed response. U.S. Representative Greg Steube publicly voiced dissatisfaction with Apple's initial inaction, expressing that the company "remained lost."

Despite the implementation of this change, Mexico has criticized the renaming, arguing that the United States cannot unilaterally rename a body of water shared by both nations. The Gulf of Mexico has been known by its current name since the 16th century, reflecting its historical significance. Nevertheless, decisions made by Apple and Google mark a significant shift in the digital representation of geographical names, potentially influencing regional relations.

Apple's decision aligns with its competitive strategy to enhance its mapping service and address user expectations. However, the geopolitical implications underscore the complexities companies face when actions intersect with international diplomacy and historical context. As Apple continues to roll out changes globally, the reaction from international communities and the potential impact on user perception remain areas to watch closely in the evolving landscape of digital cartography.