Apple Maps has begun renaming Lake Ontario to “Lake America” for users in the United States, following an order from President Trump to change the name amid an ongoing trade dispute with Canada.
The update currently applies only to Apple Maps users in the US. Those accessing the app from Canada will continue to see the “Lake Ontario” label, while users in other parts of the world will see both names displayed together.
How the Renaming Unfolded
US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said that Trump had “reached out to Apple directly” regarding the change. That conversation appears to have prompted Apple to update the name across its mapping service.
Google made the same switch several days earlier, changing Lake Ontario to Lake America in its own maps. Google explained that its policy is to use names assigned by the U.S. Geographic Names Information System (GNIS).
Not every provider has complied. MapQuest stated this week that it refuses to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America, a stance that has driven a surge in downloads for the service.
A Gradual Rollout for iPhone Users
The change is reaching Apple Maps users in stages rather than all at once. Some users still see the original Lake Ontario label on their iPhone, while others already see the updated name, indicating a phased deployment.
This is not the first time Apple has adjusted its maps in response to a presidential directive. When Trump ordered the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America” last year, Apple applied that change to Apple Maps as well.
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Image: 9to5mac.com
