Apple Maps shows users the Gulf of Mexico when searching for 'Gulf of America'

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Posted:
in iOS edited January 30
Apple Maps has seemingly taken a half step in addressing the United States Gulf of Mexico renaming, but it isn't clear if this is the permanent solution or a placeholder.

Apple Maps showing search results for 'Gulf of America'
Apple Maps showing search results for 'Gulf of America'

When President Trump took office on January 20, 2025, one of the first executive orders he signed changed the names of multiple locations in and out of the United States. The most controversial was the change from Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America.

Politicians were
quick to question Apple and Google on when the change would be reflected in their respective mapping apps. Google responded by stating Google Maps would be updated when the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) was updated -- it still shows the Gulf of Mexico.

Apple has remained silent about the issue, but a change has been made, even if it is a small one. If users navigate to the Gulf of Mexico, it still shows the 400-year-old name plain as day.

However, if a user searches "Gulf of America," the text over the Gulf changes to reflect the search result, but the information sheet shows data and photos about the Gulf of Mexico. This seems to be a working solution that could stick, but there isn't any word from Apple if that is the plan.

Repeated searches since the initial publication of this story on Wednesday evening shows Gulf of America in the information sheet as well, but the description still says Gulf of Mexico. When the search is exited, the name reverts to Gulf of Mexico on the map.

It seems the database is being updated, but the end result is the same -- only those searching for the name within the United States will be shown the card. When those outside of the United States search for "Gulf of America," they are shown a clothing store.

Google will change the name for United States users to Gulf of America. Users outside of the United States will see both names with one in parentheses, while people in Mexico will see only Gulf of Mexico.

Apple Maps could still arrive at a similar solution. For now, the search term at least results in the expected location -- something Google still doesn't do.

It seems unlikely that this would be enough to satisfy some politicians, but it may be enough to stave off unwanted attention. It walks a fine line between showing the true name of the location and satisfying users that search for the term, and it may be enough.

Update January 29, 11:30 p.m.: added information about the slow rollout of changes and differences in search results from different countries.



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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 55
    They should change United States to “The Stolen Lands of the Natives”. For accuracy. 
    DAalsethneoncatwilliamlondoncianapoleon_phoneapartapplericAlex1Nmuthuk_vanalingamdewmemichelb76
     21Likes 3Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 2 of 55
    eriamjheriamjh Posts: 1,789member
    I'm old.  I don't like it when the names of things change for no real reason.   
    cianapoleon_phoneapartdewmebaconstangjSnivelytiredskillsmike1Graeme000watto_cobraInspiredCode
     10Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 3 of 55
    Wesley Hilliardwesley hilliard Posts: 361member, administrator, moderator, editor
    peterhart said:
    Thanks, AI team, for your continued research. 
    MplsP said:
    I found it!
    These aren't the worst posts in the world, believe me, we've seen some wild posts. But going forward we're going to attempt to set some kind of limit on political speech here. That means asking everyone to avoid name calling, insults, or other jabs. You're welcome to say the name change is a bad idea and share your feelings on the matter, but let's refrain from direct insults. Please email me directly or send a forum DM if you have questions.
    baconstangjSnivelywatto_cobra
     1Like 0Dislikes 2Informatives
  • Reply 4 of 55
    Wesley Hilliardwesley hilliard Posts: 361member, administrator, moderator, editor
    I mean, I personally think the name change echos what other authoritarian nations have done in an attempt to assert more control over its borders and it's a bad move if you don't want to be called a fascist. However, if this is Apple's real solution to addressing the name change, then I think it's perfect.
    applericAlex1Nsconosciutobaconstangretrogustotiredskillsmike1Graeme000watto_cobraJaphey
     13Likes 1Dislike 0Informatives
  • Reply 5 of 55
    Now that inflation and the cost of living have been fully-addressed by the new administration, we can deal with this most-pressing of issue facing Americans everywhere. After this, we can finally deal with that “New Mexico” nonsense.

    (Edit: That was sarcasm in case there was any confusion.)
    edited January 29
    applericAlex1NsconosciutobeowulfschmidtretrogustoITGUYINSDtiredskillsGraeme000watto_cobraronn
     13Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 6 of 55
    Wesley Hilliardwesley hilliard Posts: 361member, administrator, moderator, editor
    Now that inflation and the cost of living have been fully-addressed by the new administration, we can deal with this most-pressing of issue facing Americans everywhere. After this, we can finally deal with that “New Mexico” nonsense.

    (Edit: That was sarcasm in case there was any confusion.)
    Don't tell anyone where the Gulf of California is.
    blastdoorAlex1NsconosciutobaconstangITGUYINSDtiredskillssbdudewatto_cobraronnthedba
     11Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 7 of 55
    Alex1Nalex1n Posts: 160member
    I think that we need a ‘laugh’ button instead of the new ‘dislike’ button. I’m serious.
    dewmejdwsconosciutoSigsgaardtiredskillsmike egglestonmike1apple4thewinwatto_cobraronn
     12Likes 1Dislike 0Informatives
  • Reply 8 of 55
    Xedxed Posts: 2,966member
    I mean, I personally think the name change echos what other authoritarian nations have done in an attempt to assert more control over its borders and it's a bad move if you don't want to be called a fascist. However, if this is Apple's real solution to addressing the name change, then I think it's perfect.
    I vote for Gulfstantinople or Leningulf if they're going to make the change.
    Wesley HilliardsconosciutoGraeme000watto_cobraronnmegacookieilarynx
     6Likes 1Dislike 0Informatives
  • Reply 9 of 55
    Xedxed Posts: 2,966member
    peterhart said:
    Thanks, AI team, for your continued research. 
    MplsP said:
    I found it!
    These aren't the worst posts in the world, believe me, we've seen some wild posts. But going forward we're going to attempt to set some kind of limit on political speech here. That means asking everyone to avoid name calling, insults, or other jabs. You're welcome to say the name change is a bad idea and share your feelings on the matter, but let's refrain from direct insults. Please email me directly or send a forum DM if you have questions.
    I, for one, acknowledge that I use salty language on this forum and will try to keep it to curtail it going forward.
    thtsconosciutojSnivelygrandact73watto_cobralolliver
     6Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 10 of 55
    Xedxed Posts: 2,966member
    Alex1N said:
    I think that we need a ‘laugh’ button instead of the new ‘dislike’ button. I’m serious.
    I like that idea.

    In fact, I refuse to use the Dislike button even when disliking a comment. I'll state my issues in text instead of a silent downvote.
    edited January 30
    jdwsconosciutomike egglestonGraeme000grandact73watto_cobraAlex1Nheadfull0wineJapheyStrangeDays
     6Likes 4Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 11 of 55
    Xedxed Posts: 2,966member
    Now that inflation and the cost of living have been fully-addressed by the new administration, we can deal with this most-pressing of issue facing Americans everywhere. After this, we can finally deal with that “New Mexico” nonsense.

    (Edit: That was sarcasm in case there was any confusion.)
    Don't tell anyone where the Gulf of California is.
    That has its own designation issues. I know a lot of people that only know it as the Sea of Cortez but I grew up only knowing it as the Gulf of California.
    watto_cobraronnAlex1N
     3Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 12 of 55
    mattinozmattinoz Posts: 2,551member
    Outside of USA all that comes up is the “gulf of America outfitters” on coast guard road. 
    watto_cobraronnAlex1N
     3Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 13 of 55
    jdwjdw Posts: 1,468member

    They should change United States to “The Stolen Lands of the Natives”. For accuracy. 
    As you know, it's not about "accuracy."  It's about whoever is in power at the point in time when the name changes.

    eriamjh said:
    I'm old.  I don't like it when the names of things change for no real reason.   
    I'll be 54 next month. But I don't feel that old just yet.  I'm still at the stage where we expect changes to occur in our lifetime.  And sometimes those name/word changes are oddball changes that pertain to political correctness.  Funny, but even when I was back in college, and good friend of mine gifted me this book:
    https://www.amazon.com/Politically-Correct-Bedtime-Stories-Garner/dp/1561003913

    Far too many people seek to "better society" by altering words and names.  But the funny part is, you tend to side with the name changes when the person or people enacting the changes by and large fit your political ideology.

    Xed said:
    I, for one, acknowledge that I use salty language on this forum and will try to keep it to curtail it going forward.
    I've sometimes taken issue with your writing, but it's never resorted to name-calling. Nor am I offended by your "salty language." Diversity of thought and words make the world go 'round. People today are overly sensitive. But let's face it. The more interesting forum discussions are the saltier ones. The forum experience is also a big part of why people get there news here versus MacRumors or countless other Apple related news sites. Salt has many good uses.  Don't lose your saltiness.

    ...we're going to attempt to set some kind of limit on political speech here. 
    AI has already added the Dislike button, an action which I personally think will only exacerbate negativity.  But of course, deleting posts is one way to achieve the aforementioned "limit."

    (Edit: That was sarcasm in case there was any confusion.)
    Here's a prime example, Wesley.  That "Edit" indicates to me some are fearful about misinterpretation so we now need to tack disclaimers onto our posts to make sure they won't face the chopping block.

    Alex1N said:
    I think that we need a ‘laugh’ button instead of the new ‘dislike’ button. I’m serious.
    I am serious too about the matter when I say that adding a Dislike button will definitely lead to negativity and retribution among forum members.  I've already spotted a number of posts getting a large number of Dislikes, typically from people who take the opposite political ideology of the post they Dislike!  So rather than engage in thoughtful debate, people smash the Dislike button instead, and nobody can find out who smashed the Dislike button.  It's hit & run!

    Upper management at YouTube were not a band of fools when they eliminated Dislike on YouTube.  Human nature gravitates toward negativity.  I disagree with the "fight fire with fire" approach that Dislike buttons promote.  When I see a fire, it's time for water to quench the fire, not a fiery Dislike button.

    it's a bad move if you don't want to be called a fascist.
    I've heard both sides launch the silly "fascist" word-bomb toward each other.  It happens so often the word has really lost much of its meaning.  In the USA these days, whoever you feel is fascist is basically the person who is exercising power in the political party you disagree with.

    The rise of authoritarianism in the USA is merely a symptom of the disease called DIVISION.  A house divided cannot stand.  That doesn't mean it will fall in a day.  It's a slow erosion over time.  The only cure is for people to pleasantly agree to disagree, and if they cannot do that, the house must be divided at some point.
    edited January 30
    muthuk_vanalingamtiredskillsapple4thewinGraeme000watto_cobraAlex1Nappleinsideruser
     2Likes 3Dislikes 2Informatives
  • Reply 14 of 55
    Xedxed Posts: 2,966member
    jdw said:
    it's a bad move if you don't want to be called a fascist.
    I've heard both sides launch the silly "fascist" word-bomb toward each other.  It happens so often the word has really lost much of its meaning.  In the USA these days, whoever you feel is fascist is basically the person who is exercising power in the political party you disagree with.

    The rise of authoritarianism in the USA is merely a symptom of the disease called DIVISION.  A house divided cannot stand.  That doesn't mean it will fall in a day.  It's a slow erosion over time.  The only cure is for people to pleasantly agree to disagree, and if they cannot do that, the house must be divided at some point.
    I've heard it said from both the Left and Right, but it makes no sense for someone on the Right to call someone they deem Left as being fascist since fascism is quite clearly defined as "an authoritarian and nationalistic right-wing system of government and social organization." The most you can say about the Left is that they're socialists, which I find funny because those people always seem to lean the most on social programs that are offered.

    As an aside, Jon Stewart this week made a very salient point that despite Trump's anti-democratic leanings he's so far been able to work within the democratic systems since taking the office. That, for better or worse, is how democracy has to work.
    muthuk_vanalingamsconosciutotiredskillswatto_cobraAlex1NStrangeDays
     6Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 15 of 55
    Wesley Hilliardwesley hilliard Posts: 361member, administrator, moderator, editor
    jdw said:

    They should change United States to “The Stolen Lands of the Natives”. For accuracy. 
    As you know, it's not about "accuracy."  It's about whoever is in power at the point in time when the name changes.

    eriamjh said:
    I'm old.  I don't like it when the names of things change for no real reason.   
    I'll be 54 next month. But I don't feel that old just yet.  I'm still at the stage where we expect changes to occur in our lifetime.  And sometimes those name/word changes are oddball changes that pertain to political correctness.  Funny, but even when I was back in college, and good friend of mine gifted me this book:
    https://www.amazon.com/Politically-Correct-Bedtime-Stories-Garner/dp/1561003913

    Far too many people seek to "better society" by altering words and names.  But the funny part is, you tend to side with the name changes when the person or people enacting the changes by and large fit your political ideology.

    Xed said:
    I, for one, acknowledge that I use salty language on this forum and will try to keep it to curtail it going forward.
    I've sometimes taken issue with your writing, but it's never resorted to name-calling. Nor am I offended by your "salty language." Diversity of thought and words make the world go 'round. People today are overly sensitive. But let's face it. The more interesting forum discussions are the saltier ones. The forum experience is also a big part of why people get there news here versus MacRumors or countless other Apple related news sites. Salt has many good uses.  Don't lose your saltiness.

    ...we're going to attempt to set some kind of limit on political speech here. 
    AI has already added the Dislike button, an action which I personally think will only exacerbate negativity.  But of course, deleting posts is one way to achieve the aforementioned "limit."

    (Edit: That was sarcasm in case there was any confusion.)
    Here's a prime example, Wesley.  That "Edit" indicates to me some are fearful about misinterpretation so we now need to tack disclaimers onto our posts to make sure they won't face the chopping block.

    Alex1N said:
    I think that we need a ‘laugh’ button instead of the new ‘dislike’ button. I’m serious.
    I am serious too about the matter when I say that adding a Dislike button will definitely lead to negativity and retribution among forum members.  I've already spotted a number of posts getting a large number of Dislikes, typically from people who take the opposite political ideology of the post they Dislike!  So rather than engage in thoughtful debate, people smash the Dislike button instead, and nobody can find out who smashed the Dislike button.  It's hit & run!

    Upper management at YouTube were not a band of fools when they eliminated Dislike on YouTube.  Human nature gravitates toward negativity.  I disagree with the "fight fire with fire" approach that Dislike buttons promote.  When I see a fire, it's time for water to quench the fire, not a fiery Dislike button.

    it's a bad move if you don't want to be called a fascist.
    I've heard both sides launch the silly "fascist" word-bomb toward each other.  It happens so often the word has really lost much of its meaning.  In the USA these days, whoever you feel is fascist is basically the person who is exercising power in the political party you disagree with.

    The rise of authoritarianism in the USA is merely a symptom of the disease called DIVISION.  A house divided cannot stand.  That doesn't mean it will fall in a day.  It's a slow erosion over time.  The only cure is for people to pleasantly agree to disagree, and if they cannot do that, the house must be divided at some point.
    We’ve had a lot of discussion on the topic. For now deletions only occur when someone goes out of their way to do something mentioned in the new guidance post I linked to. Don’t throw unnecessary insults at users or political parties, don’t go too far off topic, and don’t cheerlead a political party too much either.

    Jokes are fine, if they’re actually jokes. Just post normally and if a line is crossed we will let you know. I’m glad people like our forums and read our site so they can talk here, that’s why we are working to ensure hate and division aren’t what drive conversation here. This isn’t a political forum and shouldn’t devolve into one.

    The like and dislike button are easy ways out, but they also foster a way for users to get the point across that the statement doesn’t align with the users in the forum. Sometimes the best way to get people to stop posting such things is to show them we as a community don’t want it.

    Thank you for expressing concern. We’re trying to make this a fun place to chat and debate tech. If you encounter something you don’t like, feel free to say so.

    And I don’t believe fascist has lost all meaning. It means what it is. An extreme right government exerting actions with an overly powerful figurehead. I didn’t even call the guy a fascist directly, and if I did it’s not exactly a lie now is it. He did say “dictator on day one” did he not?

    Regardless, don’t be afraid to post here. The only reason someone should be concerned is if they are hateful or a troll. I agree with you, he shouldn’t stop being salty. But his post was deleted for saying something that went over the line a bit. No worries.
    apple4thewinwatto_cobraronnAlex1NdewmeappleinsideruserStrangeDays
     7Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 16 of 55
    Alex1N said:
    I think that we need a ‘laugh’ button instead of the new ‘dislike’ button. I’m serious.
    I remember when there used to be a 'dislike' button. That was a while ago.
    NickoTTwatto_cobraronnAlex1NJaphey
     4Likes 1Dislike 0Informatives
  • Reply 17 of 55
    Google Maps managers are a bunch of cowards.
    Sigsgaardtiredskillsgrandact73watto_cobraronnAlex1NwilliamlondonStrangeDays
     6Likes 2Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 18 of 55
    The funny thing is, when I was a kid in the 60s and 70s here in Denmark, we admired the United States and now we just shake our heads in amazement at how a country can fall so far back into ignorance and stupidity. :'(
    muthuk_vanalingammattinozNickoTTsconosciutoi0SZt1ITtiredskillsrotateleftbyteGraeme000Scot1watto_cobra
     15Likes 1Dislike 1Informative
  • Reply 19 of 55
    In UK, I did a search for "Gulf of America" and I got "Gulf of Alaska"!
    watto_cobraronnAlex1N
     2Likes 0Dislikes 1Informative
  • Reply 20 of 55
    mattinozmattinoz Posts: 2,551member
    Sigsgaard said:
    The funny thing is, when I was a kid in the 60s and 70s here in Denmark, we admired the United States and now we just shake our heads in amazement at how a country can fall so far back into ignorance and stupidity. :'(
    That is because most of we saw was Californication as the red hot chilli peppers noted on there album of the same name.  Add a dash of New York, all we ever knew of the south was Dukes of Hazard which should have been taken as a warning.


    tiredskillswatto_cobraronnAlex1N
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