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Apple follows Google in adopting Trump’s ‘Lake America’ name
Apple has changed the name of Lake Ontario to 'Lake America' on Apple Maps, following a similar update by Google. This change, prompted by Trump's executive order, will only affect U.S. users, while Canadians continue to see Lake Ontario. This decision has increased MapQuest's popularity as it maintains the original name, highlighting tensions in U.S.-Canada relations after trade talks stalled.
Key points
- Apple changed 'Lake Ontario' to 'Lake America' on Apple Maps for U.S. users.
- The change follows an executive order by Trump dated August 27, prompting a name update within 30 days.
- Canadian users will continue seeing 'Lake Ontario,' reflecting ongoing tensions with the U.S.
- After the name change by Apple and Google, MapQuest saw a significant increase in users, ranking No. 1 on the U.S. App Store.
- MapQuest's decision to keep 'Lake Ontario' reflects a contrast with Apple and Google's compliance.
Why it matters
- This action highlights ongoing political influences on technology and mapping services.
- The name change corresponds with previous Trump administration initiatives to rebrand geographic locations.
- The situation underscores increasing user allegiance to platforms resisting political changes, such as MapQuest.
Apple's renaming of Lake Ontario to Lake America reflects political influence on technology, sparking user backlash that has ironically revitalized competition in online mapping services.