MapQuest Acts Fast With Its Revived Fame, Adding Android Auto Support
MapQuest has seen a surge in popularity and is expanding its features to include Android Auto support. The app's growth follows a refusal to comply with a fictional executive order regarding the naming of Lake Ontario.
Why it matters
The story highlights the intersection of viral internet culture, corporate branding, and the competitive landscape of navigation software.
The map navigator is the most downloaded app in the US after it refused to relabel Lake Ontario.
Read full bio September 4, 2026, 8:19 pm ET
Artur Debat/Getty Images MapQuest, who knew? A week ago, the app seemed like just another long-forgotten relic from the dotcom glory days. Now, it’s surged to the top of app download charts after the company ignored an executive order from President Donald Trump by refusing to relabel Lake Ontario as Lake America. And the company apparently is going to keep riding the wave.
The 30-year-old app announced that it was bringing its navigation service to Android Auto in an experimental phase. Thus, drivers can use MapQuest on their dashboard infotainment screens rather than Google Maps if they have Android Auto enabled.
MapQuest announced the new integration on X , saying simply, “Android Gang, dinner is served.”
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