Apple has updated its Maps service in the United States to display “Lake America” instead of “Lake Ontario,” following a federal order that changed the official U.S. geographic name of the Great Lake.
The update applies only to Apple Maps users in the United States. Users in Canada will continue seeing Lake Ontario, while users outside the two countries will see both names, according to Apple’s regional naming approach.
The change follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump directing the U.S. government to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America. The order instructed federal agencies to update the name in official geographic databases, including the U.S. government’s geographic naming records.
Apple and Google Follow Federal Geographic Database Updates
Apple’s move follows Google Maps, which previously updated its mapping service after the name appeared in official government sources. Google said its naming decisions are based on updates from official databases such as the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS).
Apple did not provide a public statement about the change. The update comes as technology companies continue adjusting digital maps based on government geographic naming systems.
The name change has also heightened tensions in relations between the United States and Canada, following disagreements over trade and other issues.
MapQuest Gains Attention After Keeping Lake Ontario Name
Not every mapping service has followed the same approach. MapQuest said it would continue to use the name Lake Ontario rather than adopting Lake America, choosing to keep the name familiar to users.
The decision helped drive increased attention toward MapQuest. The company’s iPhone app climbed to the top of the U.S. App Store charts, briefly moving ahead of ChatGPT.
MapQuest also posted about the situation on social media, including a message on X highlighting the public response to its decision.
The debate over Lake America highlights how changes in official geographic names can quickly affect digital platforms, mapping services, and user preferences.
