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A recent Apple Maps update has Crimea reverted to Ukrainian territory on the service for the first time since 2014.
After Russia’s invasion of Crimea in 2014, Apple initially refused to regard Crimea as belonging to any country. In 2019, it was revised to be Russian territory when Apple Maps and other services that utilize its location technology was requested within Russia. Internationally, Crimea remained in Apple Maps as not belonging to any state.
Apple has apparently taken a stand on the matter, with the revision. The changes in the Apple Maps labeling were first spotted in a report by Mashable on late Thursday.
The move appears to be in parallel with Apple’s position regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. On March 1, 2022, Apple announced that it will stop all online sales within Russia. It has also paused exports to the country.
Apple CEO Tim Cook and Apple itself had also both issued public statements expressing concern over the situation in Ukraine.
“I am deeply concerned with the situation in Ukraine. We’re doing all we can for our teams there and will be supporting local humanitarian efforts.” Cook stated in a Tweet on February 24, 2022. “I am thinking of the people who are right now in harm’s way and joining all those calling for peace.”
