MapQuest Rises in Popularity by Retaining Lake Ontario’s Name

MapQuest has climbed to a top position in Apple’s U.S. App Store rankings. This surge occurred after the company refused to rename Lake Ontario “Lake America.” The renaming was ordered by President Donald Trump last week and adopted by Google Maps and Apple Maps for U.S. users. The long-established navigation service, which began in 1996, gained significant attention by stating “We’re not changing it” on social media on August 27. This announcement came on the same day Trump signed an executive order for federal agencies to use the new name.

By the following Monday, MapQuest reported that hundreds of thousands had downloaded its app. This decision to uphold the historical name boosted its usage to 50 times the normal level. MapQuest’s popularity rose above major apps like ChatGPT in Apple’s free download charts.

Reasons Behind the Renaming of Lake Ontario

Trump’s order to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America” was part of a broader goal to reflect U.S. interests and identity better. It aimed to emphasize American heritage amidst ongoing Washington and Ottawa tensions over trade and other disputes. Lake Ontario, which borders the United States and Canada, has held its name for centuries. The renaming faced criticism from historians, geographers, and Canadian officials. Surveys showed many Americans were not supportive of the change.

Google Maps Adopts ‘Lake America’

Google Maps quickly implemented Trump’s order for U.S.-based users. Americans see “Lake America” on Google Maps, while users elsewhere continue seeing Lake Ontario. Some users see both names based on their location. Google explained that it follows updated official government naming conventions through authoritative sources.

Apple Maps and ‘Lake America’ Change on John Ternus’ First Day

Though initially slow to adopt, Apple eventually updated Apple Maps for U.S. users to display “Lake America.” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum highlighted that Trump had contacted Apple directly about this change. This update coincided with John Ternus’ first day as Apple’s new CEO, marking a notable decision under his leadership.

MapQuest’s Decision Goes Viral

Unlike Google and Apple, MapQuest refused to rename the lake on its platform despite Trump’s order. This stance turned the company into a widespread topic of discussion. Over a few days, MapQuest saw a steep rise in app downloads and website traffic. Owned by System1, a California-based advertising firm, MapQuest embraced its newfound prominence, sharing updates about its App Store success and expressing gratitude to users.

Many users downloaded MapQuest as a form of protest against the renaming. Others were drawn to it by nostalgia for a service prominent before Google Maps.

Public Reaction to the Name Change

The renaming sparked strong reactions across borders. Canadian officials criticized the move, stressing that Lake Ontario’s name predates the United States. Historians noted its Indigenous origins derived from a word meaning “great lake” or “beautiful lake.” In the U.S., responses varied. Some Trump supporters saw the change as asserting American identity. However, a YouGov survey revealed more Americans opposed the renaming, supporting the retention of the lake’s original name.

This controversy raised questions about how tech companies manage politically driven geographic name changes. It also questioned whether mapping services should always comply with government directives during contested naming disputes.

For more details, contact Newsweek editors Rebecca Flood and Emma Lee-Sang.