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MapQuest is now the No. 1 US app after bucking Trump’s ‘Lake America’ renaming
MapQuest has surged to become the No. 1 app on the U.S. App Store, driven by its refusal to rename Lake Ontario to 'Lake America' following President Trump's order. The app saw over 632,000 downloads in a week as users supported its stance, contrasting with competitors Google Maps and Apple Maps, which complied. MapQuest's downloads increased by 123% day-over-day during this period, highlighting a significant user engagement.
Key points
- MapQuest rejected Trump's order to rename Lake Ontario, prompting public support.
- The app rose from rank No. 128 to No. 1 on the U.S. App Store in just a few days.
- MapQuest has over 1.5 million installs in the U.S. and Canada combined since the order.
- The app's downloads increased by 123% day-over-day and more than 50 times compared to the previous year.
- Users actively engaged with MapQuest, giving feedback and feature requests.
Why it matters
- This situation reflects a broader trend of consumer support for brands taking a stand on social issues.
- The update contrasts with Big Tech's typical compliance with government directives, which may influence public perception and loyalty.
- The resurgence of MapQuest highlights the potential for smaller companies to carve out market space by differentiating themselves through corporate social responsibility.
MapQuest's unexpected rise to the top reflects a growing trend where consumers favor brands that boldly express their values, a shift that could reshape competitive dynamics in the app market.