Following Google, Apple Maps Renames Lake Ontario to Lake America
Following a decree signed by United States President Donald Trump due to a trade dispute, Apple Maps has changed the name of Lake Ontario for US users.
In line with an instruction by US President Donald Trump within the framework of a trade dispute with Canada, Apple Maps updated the name of Lake Ontario to Lake America for US users, following Google with this step.
Name Change for US Users
Apple Maps changed the name of Lake Ontario to Lake America for users based in the United States. Users in Canada, however, continue to see the traditional name on the map.
Trade Tension and Tariffs
This move came after trade talks between the two neighboring countries collapsed. The Washington administration imposed new customs tariffs of fifty percent on twenty billion dollars worth of Canadian goods.
Canada responded to these taxes with retaliatory tariffs at a one-to-one rate. Prime Minister Mark Carney's administration withdrew from the negotiations due to unacceptable demands.
Steps by Official Institutions and Companies
The decree signed by President Trump instructs the US Department of the Interior to update the change in the geographic names service within thirty days. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated that Apple was specifically encouraged on this matter.
Previously, Google had also changed the name on the map for US users for a similar reason. Meanwhile, the map service MapQuest announced that it would not make a name change.
Canada's Reaction and Local Steps
On the Canadian side, a new sign reading "Lake Ontario. Now and Forever" was placed along the lake shore. Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated that this sign was put up to remind people of the lake's true name.