Apple and Google Rename Lake Ontario to Lake America in the U.S.

Apple and Google have updated the name of Lake Ontario to Lake America in their mapping services for U.S. users. The change was implemented less than a week after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to rename the body of water.

According to the order, the U.S. Department of the Interior was required to update the lake’s name in federal geographic databases within 30 days. The document highlights the lake’s economic importance: "In recognition of its thriving economic potential and critical significance to the U.S. economy and its people, I hereby direct the official renaming of the lake to Lake America."

The decision has drawn criticism in Canada, where Lake Ontario is a key natural landmark. This move comes amid deteriorating trade relations between the U.S. and Canada following failed negotiations.

Not all mapping services supported the initiative. MapQuest announced it would continue using the original name, Lake Ontario, emphasizing the need to maintain familiar user references. The company noted it had not renamed the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America despite a similar order last year.

Apple and Google’s decision unexpectedly boosted MapQuest’s popularity. Its app topped the U.S. App Store rankings, surpassing even ChatGPT, and secured sixth place in the Google Play Store. MapQuest stated on social media that "the people have spoken," and it has no plans to alter its stance.