Apple Maps Adopts 'Lake America' Name After Trump Order

Key Takeaways

• Apple Maps updated Lake Ontario to Lake America for US users following Google's lead.
• The change stems from a U.S. executive order modifying official geographic databases.
• Canadian users still see Lake Ontario, while international users see both names.
• MapQuest refused to update the name, prompting a massive spike in app downloads.
• MapQuest reached the No. 1 spot on the U.S. iOS App Store charts.

Apple and Google Update Lake Ontario to 'Lake America'

Following a recent U.S. executive order, Apple Maps has joined Google Maps in renaming Lake Ontario to "Lake America" for users based in the United States. According to reports originally published by TechCrunch, the update aligns digital maps with changes in federal databases managed by the U.S. Interior Department.

Regional Display Differences

The name change is geographically restricted to U.S. audiences. Users accessing Apple Maps within Canada will continue to see "Lake Ontario," while users in other international regions will see both names displayed simultaneously.

MapQuest Resists the Naming Shift

While major tech giants complied with the federal directive, legacy navigation service MapQuest opted out. MapQuest publicly stated it would retain the traditional name to prioritize user familiarity, mirroring its past decision regarding the Gulf of Mexico.

Surge in MapQuest App Downloads

MapQuest's stance against the geographic renaming sparked widespread interest. Downloads for the classic navigation app surged rapidly, pushing MapQuest to the top position on the U.S. iOS App Store charts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Apple Maps rename Lake Ontario to Lake America?

Apple updated the name for U.S. users to align with official federal databases following a presidential executive order.

Will Canadian users see Lake America on Apple Maps?

No, users in Canada will continue to see Lake Ontario, while international users will see both names.

Did MapQuest change Lake Ontario's name?

MapQuest refused to change the name, choosing to retain the familiar geographic label for its users.