Official: the Gulf of America is now called that on Google Maps and Apple

In Mexico, it will continue to be referred to as the Gulf of Mexico, while in the rest of the world, both names will appear.

Google Maps view of the Gulf of America according to the user's location.Screenshot Google.

Published by

Israel Duro

February 11, 2025

2 minutes read

Topics:

It is now official. The Gulf of America will appear so named to people who use Google Maps and Apple Maps from the US after Donald Trump proclaimed February 9 as Gulf of America Day. However, users of the technology company's service from Mexico will continue to see its traditional name, while people making use of the appS from anywhere else in the world will find both names.

Google announced it would accept the name change, signed by Trump on the same day as his inauguration, when it was updated by the U.S. Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). This procedure was completed on Sunday 9 of this month, prompting the tech company to update its popular app accordingly. On the other hand, Apple required a little more time to implement the measure on its platform.

Google updated the name after GNIS made it official

In a post on its blog, Google noted that "In the US, the GNIS has officially updated 'Gulf of Mexico' to 'Gulf of America.” As we announced two weeks ago and consistent with our longstanding practices, we’ve begun rolling out changes to reflect this update. People using Maps in the U.S. will see “Gulf of America,” and people in Mexico will see “Gulf of Mexico.” Everyone else will see both names."

Apple also implemented the update

Apple Maps implemented this Tuesday the Gulf name change on its platform, starting with users in the U.S. and announcing that the update would be rolled out progressively worldwide. The app, available on most Apple devices such as iPhone, iPad and Mac, also recently launched a web version to compete directly with Google Maps.

Trump officially declared February 9 "Gulf of America Day." He also flew over the area that same day and highlighted the name change in a statement, "Today, I am making my first visit to the Gulf of America since its renaming. As my Administration restores American pride in the history of American greatness, it is fitting that our great Nation should come together and commemorate this momentous occasion and the renaming of the Gulf of America."