In a recent update, Apple Maps users in the United States will now see the Gulf of Mexico referred to as the Gulf of America. This change, implemented this week, aligns with an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump in January. The decision reflects a broader initiative to modify place names within the country.

Apple’s update comes on the heels of similar actions by Google, which also adopted the new nomenclature for its mapping services. It is important to note that this renaming is only applicable to users within the United States; users in Mexico will continue to see the designation Gulf of Mexico, while other international users will see both names displayed.

The Gulf of Mexico, historically named in the 16th century, has been a significant geographical feature bordered by the United States, Mexico, and Cuba. The United States alone controls over 1,600 miles of the Gulf’s coastline, with its sovereign territory extending 12 nautical miles from the coast. Additionally, the U.S. maintains economic rights extending 200 miles offshore, making this body of water critical for various maritime activities, including fishing and oil drilling.

Place names in the U.S. are typically governed by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, a federal agency under the Department of the Interior. Founded in 1890, the board is responsible for establishing and maintaining naming conventions across the country and administers the Geographic Names Information System, a comprehensive database for geographic names.

The executive order that prompted the renaming specifically directed the board to update the name of the Gulf of Mexico. While such actions are within the board’s purview, they often generate discussion about the significance of geographical nomenclature and its implications on cultural and historical identity.

Reactions to the renaming may vary among different demographic groups, particularly given the long-standing historical name that has been in use for centuries. The Gulf of Mexico has served not only as a vital economic resource but also as a region steeped in cultural and historical significance for the countries that border it.

Critically, the adoption of the new name may influence how residents and visitors perceive the Gulf, as well as its geographic and political significance. As the renaming takes effect, it remains to be seen how this will impact public discourse or whether any further changes to place names will be proposed in the future.

For now, users accessing Apple and Google Maps in the U.S. will encounter the Gulf labeled as the Gulf of