Sea-Doo Considers Apple CarPlay
Sea-Doo is evaluating the integration of Apple CarPlay into its future high-end personal watercraft models. This potential development requires assessing customer demand, addressing technical challenges, and securing final approval from Apple.
Current Display Capabilities
Seven of the 15 models in Sea-Doo's 2026 lineup feature a 10.25-inch touchscreen display. This display is currently the largest in the Jet Ski market.
Notably, this same display is also utilized in certain three-wheel motorcycles produced by Can-Am On-Road, a sister brand under BRP Powersports. In these vehicles, the display already supports Apple CarPlay.
Challenges and Perceived Benefits
Christian Comtois, Global Product Strategy Manager of Sea-Doo, noted that Apple CarPlay is primarily designed for on-road use. He stated that while navigation features like Google Maps and Apple Maps might not offer significant advantages over the current display in an off-road context, access to music applications would be a primary benefit.
"Access to music applications would be a primary benefit."
Comtois emphasized that integrating CarPlay into Sea-Doo watercraft would require substantial development. He acknowledged a public interest in Apple CarPlay, describing it as "sexy" and familiar from automotive use.
"He described it as 'sexy' and familiar from automotive use, but questioned its essentiality for personal watercraft."
Navigating Apple Approval
Comtois highlighted the difficulty in obtaining Apple's approval for off-road or powersports applications.
"He highlighted the difficulty in obtaining Apple's approval for off-road or powersports applications."
This approval is necessary alongside the engineering required to adapt the system to Sea-Doo's instrument cluster. Comtois expressed confidence that approval from Apple is achievable, contingent on meeting specific requirements, such as the inclusion of a microphone.
The company plans to evaluate the integration based on customer needs and future technological advancements.