Apple Changes Gulf Name: A Move with Political Implications

New Map, New Name: Apple Inc. AAPL has officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America in its Maps app. This change corresponds with an executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump on his first day in office.

Government Update: The U.S. government has also updated its maps to reflect this new name. Initially, Apple is rolling out the change for users in the U.S., with a global update expected shortly.

Related Insights: As reported, Meta’s push into AI could increase its shares by $100, while Tesla is facing challenges in the electric vehicle market, according to top analysts.

Developer Jane Manchun Wong shared on X (previously Twitter) that if users zoom in on Apple Maps, the new label of “Gulf of America” may still display as “Gulf of Mexico” under certain conditions.

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Competitors React: Alphabet Inc.’s GOOG GOOGL Google has already made the name change on its Maps app earlier this week. However, Microsoft Corp. MSFT and MapQuest Inc. have yet to adopt this change, as reported by Bloomberg.

Political Climate: Apple’s decision to rename the Gulf has faced criticism from some Republican lawmakers for what they perceive as a delayed response to Trump’s order. U.S. Representative Greg Steube conveyed his views on Facebook, stating that Apple is “still lost at sea.”

International Response: In a related matter, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has asked Google to revisit the renaming decision. She criticized the move and jokingly suggested the United States be renamed “Mexican America” in light of Trump’s executive order.

Stock Movements: In response to these developments, Apple’s stock gained 0.095% to reach $232.84 in after-hours trading. It previously closed at $232.62, reflecting a 2.18% increase on Tuesday, according to Benzinga Pro.

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Photo Courtesy: charnsitr On Shutterstock.com

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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.