Apple Maps Renames Lake Ontario as Lake America

Apple Maps changed the label of Lake Ontario to “Lake America” for users in the United States on 1 September 2026. The update followed a federal name change in the United States Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), while users in Canada continued to see “Lake Ontario”.

Geographic Names Information System

The Geographic Names Information System is the federal database of geographic names maintained by the United States Geological Survey. It standardises place names used in official U.S. maps, databases, and federal records.

Lake Ontario

Lake Ontario is one of the five Great Lakes of North America and the easternmost of the group. It lies between the Canadian province of Ontario and the U.S. state of New York, and it drains into the Saint Lawrence River.

Digital Map Labelling and Regionalisation

Digital mapping platforms often use regionalised labels based on user location, language settings, and national naming databases. In this case, users outside the United States and Canada saw both names, with “Lake America” shown in parentheses.

Important Facts for Exams

• Lake Ontario is the smallest by surface area among the five Great Lakes.
• The five Great Lakes are Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario.
• The United States Geological Survey maintains the Geographic Names Information System.
• Google Maps and Apple Maps are major digital mapping platforms used globally.

Related Mapping Changes

Apple and Google had earlier renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” in January 2025 for some users. MapQuest reached the top position in the U.S. Apple App Store download charts after refusing to adopt the new name.