Apple Maps shows users the Gulf of Mexico when searching for 'Gulf of America'
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'
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.
Read on AppleInsider

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.
Read on AppleInsider

Comments
(Edit: That was sarcasm in case there was any confusion.)
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.