Apple Maps adopts 'Lake America' for Lake Ontario
Apple Maps has renamed Lake Ontario to Lake America in the US, following a similar move by Google after an executive order. The Canadian version still shows the original name, while international versions display both. MapQuest has declined to make the change, which has boosted its popularity.
Apple's change applies only to US users of its mapping service, following Google's earlier adoption of the new designation after it was added to the US Geographic Names Information System. Canadian users still see "Lake Ontario," while international versions display both names simultaneously, creating a split experience depending on the user's location.
This marks the second major geographic relabeling by both tech companies, following the earlier transition from Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America. MapQuest's refusal to adopt either new name has apparently resonated with users, as the service recently climbed to the top of Apple's App Store rankings.
The renaming could shape how millions of navigation app users perceive geographic boundaries, especially those who rely on these tools as their primary source of geographic information. Canadian users may find the dual naming system confusing, while MapQuest's popularity surge suggests consumer preference for traditional names could influence future corporate decisions. The move may also set a precedent for how private platforms respond to government directives regarding geographic terminology.