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Market ES

Cortex Onboard

by Garmin New Zealand Ltd

iPhone · iPad

Active Last checked 31 Jul 2026

Quick verdict

What it is
Store information collected; independent summary not yet available.
At a glance
  • Free to download

Categories and search queries

Official categories

AppCorpus categories

Key functions

Function Availability Access Scope Evidence
Free app Yes Free Store published

Screens

App Store

17 store screenshots

Cortex Onboard ipad screenshot 1
Cortex Onboard ipad screenshot 2
Cortex Onboard ipad screenshot 3
Cortex Onboard ipad screenshot 4

Pricing & paywalls

App Store

Shown for US

  • Free

Ratings & reviews

App Store

Shown for US

3.8 12 ratings · App Store

  1. 4/5Great, but would love split screen support

    This app is really great, responsive and fully featured. Super easy setup (basically no setup required). It's a convenient backup to our Cortex handhelds. My only wish is that it supported split screen so we could layer it on top of Navionics Boating.

    Toto-95 · 31 Jul 2026

  2. 5/5Vesper is the Best

    IMO Vesper is the best marine hardware and software company out there. Everything they do exudes quality, care, and thoughtful consideration. Cortex is no exception, and is a central and critical piece of safety equipment aboard my sailboat. Vesper support is excellent, they’ve been very receptive and responsive to suggestions, and continually rolling out improvements. I do hope all of these positive qualities continue following the Garmin acquisition.

    WakingDude · 31 Jul 2026

  3. 1/5Buggy and disappointing

    The idea of the Cortex is fantastic but the execution leaves much to be desired. I’m in tech and have spent more than a day trying to get this to function correctly. It seems to be both an issue with the WiFi hardware (weak signal even standing next to it) and the software. State management seems to be an issue and the WiFi networking will make you tear your hair out. And good luck trying to use the boat network. This needs lots more investment from Garmin to justify the price and make it a recommended buy. For now, skip it.

    66Replica · 31 Jul 2026

  4. 3/5Almost Right

    The system has many plug and play features but they are cumbersome to access. The anchor watch mode seems to activate sporadically when tested. The Man over board is very Accurate. To access the onboard WiFi (Starlink) has been an on going challenge . To integrate with Navionics software has not been possible. Garmin support has been at at a loss for help. Hope they get all the kinks out.

    Out2cruise · 31 Jul 2026

  5. 1/5Garmin support is poor

    Garmin tech support barely know they own Vesper. The onboard app has never worked and a Garmin can’t or won’t be bothered to help despite repeated attempts and replacement hardware. The VHF is glitchy and I can’t honestly say I trust it. We often get disconnect alarms, usually in the middle of the night, often during passages, disconcerting to say the least. Hopefully Garmin take this product seriously and supply the necessary support and updates.

    Garminrubbish · 31 Jul 2026

Privacy & accessibility

App Store

Privacy

  • Data Not Collected Developer declared

Accessibility

  • Dark Interface — SUPPORTED Store published
  • Differentiate Without Color Alone — SUPPORTED Store published

Versions

App Store

  • 1.10.0

    Vesper Marine is constantly working to improve Cortex and strives to make your boating a safer and more enjoyable experience. This version has a number of improvements to the Cortex Onboard app experience and includes Cortex Software update 1.6.14 (containing Hub version 1.6.2229 and Handset version 1.6.5). For more details visit support.vespermarine.com.

  • 1.10.1

    Hot fix for the bread crumbs not being plotted in the correct position on the Anchor Watch screen. Includes Cortex software update 1.6.14 (containing Hub version 1.6.2229 and Handset version 1.6.5).

  • 1.11.0

    Vesper Marine is constantly working to improve Cortex and strives to make your boating a safer and more enjoyable experience. This version has a number of improvements to the Cortex Onboard app experience and includes the latest Cortex Software update 1.7.27 (containing Hub version 1.7.2439 and Handset version 1.7.23) that delivers new loud hailer and horn functionality. For more details visit www.vespermarine.com/cortex-updates

  • 1.11.1

    Vesper Marine is constantly working to improve Cortex and strives to make your boating a safer and more enjoyable experience. This version has some stability improvements for the Cortex system when left running over long periods of time and includes Cortex Software update 1.7.32 (containing Hub version 1.7.2444 and Handset version 1.7.25). For more details visit www.vespermarine.com/cortex-updates

  • 1.11.2

    Vesper Marine is constantly working to improve Cortex and strives to make your boating a safer and more enjoyable experience. This version includes the latest loud hailer and horn functionality along with some additional system stability improvements when using the NMEA 2000 network. Includes Cortex Software update 1.7.35 (containing Hub version 1.7.2445 and Handset version 1.7.25). For more details visit www.vespermarine.com/cortex-updates

  • 1.12.0

    We are constantly working to improve Cortex and strive to make your boating a safer and more enjoyable experience. This version has a number of improvements to the Cortex Onboard app experience and includes Cortex Software update 1.8.26 (containing Hub version 1.8.2546 and Handset version 1.8.26). For more details visit https://support.vespermarine.com/hc/en-us/articles/360001904816

  • 1.12.1

    We are constantly working to improve Cortex and strive to make your boating a safer and more enjoyable experience. This version has a number of improvements to the Cortex Onboard app experience and includes Cortex Software update 1.8.27 (containing Hub version 1.8.2547 and Handset version 1.8.26). For more details visit www.vespermarine.com/cortex-updates

  • 1.12.2

    We are constantly working to improve Cortex and strive to make your boating a safer and more enjoyable experience. This version has a number of improvements to the Cortex Onboard app experience and includes Cortex Software update 1.8.30 (containing Hub version 1.8.2551 and Handset version 1.8.27). For more details visit www.vespermarine.com/cortex-updates

  • 1.12.3

    We are constantly working to improve Cortex and strive to make your boating a safer and more enjoyable experience. This version has a UI fix for iOS 16 and includes Cortex Software update 1.8.30 (containing Hub version 1.8.2551 and Handset version 1.8.27). For more details visit www.vespermarine.com/cortex-updates

  • 1.13.0

    This is an app only update. - Landscape orientation has been enabled for the iPad. - Contains Cortex software update 1.8.30 (Hub version 1.8.2551 and Handset version 1.8.27). For more details visit www.vespermarine.com/cortex-updates

  • 1.14.0

    Garmin is constantly working to improve Cortex and strives to make your boating a safer and more enjoyable experience. This version has a number of improvements to the Cortex Onboard app experience and includes Cortex Software update 2.0.12 (containing Hub version 2.0.2797 and Handset version 2.0.11). For more details visit https://support.garmin.com/?faq=mCioc58XNq6xoAkfPApR29.

  • 1.14.1

    Bug Fixes - US/Canada Weather channel fixes. Garmin is constantly working to improve Cortex and strives to make your boating a safer and more enjoyable experience. This version has a number of improvements to the Cortex Onboard app experience and includes Cortex Software update 2.0.13 (containing Hub version 2.0.2799 and Handset version 2.0.13). For more details visit https://support.garmin.com/?faq=mCioc58XNq6xoAkfPApR29.

  • 1.14.2

    Updated privacy policy. Garmin is constantly working to improve Cortex and strives to make your boating a safer and more enjoyable experience. This version has a number of improvements to the Cortex Onboard app experience and includes Cortex Software update 2.0.13 (containing Hub version 2.0.2799 and Handset version 2.0.13). For more details visit https://support.garmin.com/?faq=mCioc58XNq6xoAkfPApR29.

  • 1.14.3

    Garmin is constantly working to improve Cortex and strives to make your boating a safer and more enjoyable experience. This version has a number of improvements to the Cortex Onboard app experience and includes Cortex Software update 2.0.20 (containing Hub version 2.0.2808 and Handset version 2.0.18). For more details visit https://support.garmin.com/?faq=mCioc58XNq6xoAkfPApR29. VHF 2.0 fixes: - Fixed rare occurrence where WiFi is lost and Cortex is not responding. - Enhance VHF reception on weak incoming signals and avoid audio clipping.

  • 1.15.0

    Garmin is constantly working to improve Cortex and strives to make your boating a safer and more enjoyable experience. This version has a number of improvements to the Cortex Onboard app experience and includes Cortex Software update 2.1.25 (containing Hub version 2.1.2879 and Handset version 2.1.18). Detailed release notes can be found on garmin.com.

  • 1.15.1

    Garmin is constantly working to improve Cortex and strives to make your boating a safer and more enjoyable experience. This version has a number of improvements to the Cortex Onboard app experience and includes Cortex Software update 2.1.32 (containing Hub version 2.1.2883 and Handset version 2.1.18). Detailed release notes can be found on garmin.com.

  • 1.15.2

    Garmin is constantly working to improve Cortex and strives to make your boating a safer and more enjoyable experience. This version has a number of improvements to the Cortex Onboard app experience and includes Cortex Software update 2.1.34 (containing Hub version 2.1.2884 and Handset version 2.1.28). Detailed release notes can be found on garmin.com.

  • 1.15.3

    Garmin is constantly working to improve Cortex and strives to make your boating a safer and more enjoyable experience. This version has a number of improvements to the Cortex Onboard app experience and includes Cortex Software update 2.1.36 (containing Hub version 2.1.2890 and Handset version 2.1.28). Detailed release notes can be found on garmin.com.

  • 1.15.4 · 22 Aug 2025

    Minor bug fixes for your Cortex device. Garmin is constantly working to improve Cortex and strives to make your boating a safer and more enjoyable experience. This version has a number of improvements to the Cortex Onboard app experience and includes Cortex Software update 2.2.2 (containing Hub version 2.2.2914 and Handset version 2.2.1). Detailed release notes can be found on garmin.com.

  • 1.8.3

    Fixed an issue in the plotter view with your vessel’s projected path not being displayed. Added your vessel’s projected path to the MOB situational view. Improved connectivity to the Hub and Boat networks. Includes firmware v1.4.18

  • 1.8.4

    Fixed an issue in the plotter view with your vessel’s projected path not being displayed. Added your vessel’s projected path to the MOB situational view. Improved connectivity to the Hub and Boat networks. Includes firmware v1.4.18

  • 1.8.5

    Fixed a rare connection bug. Includes firmware update v1.4.21, - improves data validity checks on AIS transmissions, - fixes an issue with vessel dimension conversion between feet and meters - improvements to DSC call log behavior - fixes an issue with input functionality on GPIO channel 4 and 5.

  • 1.8.6

    Includes firmware update 1.4.22 (contains Hub version 1.4.1822)

  • 1.8.7

    Important bug fix. On the plotter (main) view, the vessel's projected course and the closest point of approach (CPA) vectors were not being updated in a timely manner under some circumstances. Includes firmware update 1.4.22 (contains Hub version 1.4.1822) which delivers some under the hood software defined radio performance improvements.

  • 1.9.0

    Vesper Marine is constantly working to improve Cortex and strives to make your boating a safer more enjoyable experience. This version has a number of improvements to the Cortex Onboard app experience and includes Cortex Software update 1.5.36 (containing Hub version 1.5.2151 and Handset version 1.5.32). For more details visit support.vespermarine.com.

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Data quality & evidence

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Last verified
31 Jul 2026
Sources
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