Apple is pushing CarPlay beyond the dashboard. Starting with 2027 models, pontoon boats from Crest and Balise, both owned by MasterCraft Boat Holdings, will come standard with CarPlay and Android Auto at the helm. The move pairs navigation software from Savvy Navvy directly to boat displays, letting skippers see route plans, live ETAs, marina locations and vessel traffic in day, night or satellite views.
Jelte Liebrand, Savvy Navvy's founder, framed the expansion as a response to boaters who have wanted a modern infotainment system for years. The setup works like car navigation but scaled for water: chart your course from home, then watch it appear on the helm the moment you board. Dealers already tested the system at Crest Marine's annual meeting, with first compatible boats arriving next month.
Microsoft's clipboard win in Europe
Separately, Apple agreed to let Windows users copy and paste directly to and from iPhones. The concession came after Microsoft filed a request under the EU's Digital Markets Act, forcing Apple to open what has long been a closed ecosystem feature. This clipboard sharing will likely remain confined to Europe, following Apple's pattern with other DMA-mandated changes.
The timing matters. CarPlay Ultra rivals like Audi and Mercedes-Benz have been quietly pulling back from Apple's ecosystem, choosing instead to develop proprietary systems. Apple's boat partnership and the Windows clipboard move suggest the company is trying to broaden CarPlay's reach even as traditional automakers distance themselves from the platform.
This article is for information purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice.
