Introducing Apple Sports: The Ultimate Sports App for iPhone Users
Apple is expanding its sports and subscriptions business with the launch of its latest app, Apple Sports. This app offers real-time scores, stats, and other information for sports enthusiasts, while competing with other sports aggregators on the App Store.
Available in the U.S., U.K., and Canada, Apple Sports initially includes information for major leagues such as MLS, NBA, NCAA, NHL, Bundesliga, LaLiga, Liga MX, Ligue 1, Premier League, and Serie A. More leagues will be added over time, including MLB, NFL, NCASF, NWSL, and WNBA.
With Apple Sports, users can personalize their scoreboards to follow their favorite teams, leagues, and tournaments, as well as switch between different sections for play-by-play updates, team stats, lineup details, and live betting odds. However, the betting feature can be disabled in the app’s settings. Apple clarifies that the betting odds are provided by Draft Kings, but there is no revenue sharing agreement as the app itself does not support live betting.
While the app is free to use, it serves as a gateway for users to access Apple’s other subscription offerings for live sports through the Apple TV app. Apple has heavily invested in the sports sector in recent years, striking deals with Major League Baseball. Last year, it also started offering the MLS Season Pass through Apple TV for a monthly fee of $14.99 or a season pass for $99. Additionally, Apple TV’s multi-view feature allows users to simultaneously watch different sports games such as Friday Night Baseball, Major League Soccer matches, and live shows for MLS and MLB (now available on iPad).
Apple’s focus on sports aligns with its effort to increase services revenue, which reached a record high of $22.3 billion in the fourth quarter. This includes revenue from Apple TV+, Apple Music, iCloud, the App Store, advertising, and more. In the future, Apple may introduce paid features for the Sports app, but no plans have been announced just yet.
The launch of Apple Sports coincides with the start of MLS’ 29th season and marks Lionel Messi’s first full season with MLS, according to Apple. Subscribers of Apple TV+ can add the MLS Season Pass at a discounted rate of $12.99 per month or $79 per season.
Apple Sports is available in English, French, and Spanish, and requires iOS 17.2 or higher to download and use.
Key Features of Apple Sports:
- Real-time scores, stats, and information for major leagues and teams
- Customizable scoreboards for personal preferences
- Various sections for play-by-play updates, team stats, lineup details, and live betting odds (optional)
- Gateway to Apple’s subscription offerings for live sports through the Apple TV app
- Multi-view feature for simultaneous sports viewing
“Introducing Apple Sports, the ultimate sports app for iPhone users!”
