The search giant says it is simply following a longstanding policy about geographical names. Its competitor Apple has yet to make the switch. The majority of Google Maps users across the globe today will notice a significant change on the platform if they zoom into the body of water south of the United States and east of Mexico.

Apple Maps has quietly been updated to change the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America" when viewed by U.S. users. This comes a mere day after Google made the same change to its own Maps app.

Google Maps will soon rename the "Gulf of Mexico" to the "Gulf of America," a decision that has faced opposition from Mexican officials.