Apple Follows Google in Renaming Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America
Following in the footsteps of Google, Apple has updated its Maps app to reflect US President Donald Trump’s executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.
US-Only Rollout
Initially, the new name will only be displayed to users in the United States. Apple informed Bloomberg that the change will eventually be implemented in other regions as well.
Google’s Partial Implementation
In Google Maps, the body of water is now labeled solely as the Gulf of America for users in the US. However, outside of the country, both the old and new names are visible. It remains to be seen how Apple will address the name change outside the US.
Trump’s Order
Trump issued the executive order shortly after his inauguration, about three weeks ago. The name "Gulf of Mexico" has been in use since the 16th century. The waterway borders the US states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, as well as Mexico and Cuba. According to Trump’s order, the name change applies to the area up to the maritime boundaries of Mexico and Cuba.
White House Press Access Denied
Meanwhile, an Associated Press (AP) reporter was denied access to an event at the White House because the news agency had not used the president’s preferred name, Gulf of America, in its coverage of the renaming order. Both AP and the White House Correspondents’ Association protested the move.
Historical Context
The Gulf of Mexico has a rich history and has been known by various names throughout the centuries. The current name, which has been the most widely used in recent times, reflects the body of water’s geographic proximity to Mexico.
International Acceptance
The international community has not officially recognized the name change ordered by President Trump. It remains to be seen whether other countries and mapmakers will adopt the new name or continue to use the traditional designation.
Geographic and Political Implications
The renaming of the Gulf of Mexico raises questions about the role of political authority in shaping geographical names. It also highlights the potential for geopolitical tensions over the naming of bodies of water and other geographical features.
Conclusion
Apple’s decision to follow Google in implementing the Gulf of America name change is a significant development. While the change is currently limited to the US, it could set a precedent for broader acceptance of the new name. However, the international community’s lack of recognition and the controversy surrounding the name change suggest that the issue is far from settled.
