Apple continues its investment in sports and subscription business today with the launch of a new app for iPhone users, Apple Sports. The app will offer sports fans access to real-time scores, stats and other information about their favorite teams and leagues, while introducing competition to other sports score aggregators on the App Store.
Initially available in the US, UK and Canada, the app will include information on the following leagues: MLS, NBA, NCAA, NHL, Bundesliga, LaLiga, Liga MX, Ligue 1, Premier League and Serie A. Apple says that more leagues will become available over time, including MLB, NFL, NCASF, NWSL and WNBA for their upcoming seasons.
Image credits: Apple
With the app, users will be able to customize their scoreboards to follow their favorite teams, leagues and tournaments, and switch between different sections such as match-by-game information, team stats, lineup details and live betting odds — the latter, however , if desired, the user can turn it off in the settings, notes Apple. The company tells TechCrunch that the betting odds are provided by DraftKings, but there is no revenue sharing agreement because the app itself does not support live betting.
Image credits: Apple
While the app itself is free to use, it can help Apple direct users to its other live sports subscription offerings, through its Apple TV app where users can watch live games from Apple and their other apps. The company has invested in its sports business over the past few years, partnering with Major League Baseball, with a 10-year streaming deal starting in 2023. Last year, it also began offering the MLS Season Pass through the Apple TV app, for $14.99 monthly or $99 per season. Additionally, Apple TV offers a multiview feature for watching sports, for watching things like Friday Night Baseball, Major League Soccer games, and live MLS and MLB broadcasts. (The feature is now available on iPad.)
Sports can help Apple boost its services revenue, which reached a record $22.3 billion in the fourth quarter, spanning areas of Apple’s business including Apple TV+, Apple Music, iCloud, the App Store, advertising and more. Over time, Apple could expand its sports app with paid features if it chooses, although the company has not yet announced plans to do so.
In addition, Apple says that users’ sports interests are linked to their Apple ID and will sync with other apps to personalize their Apple TV and Apple News experiences. Users can turn off sync if they want. The data may also be used to improve Apple’s personalized advertising.
The launch of the new sports app comes in conjunction with the start of MLS’ 29th season and Lionel Messi’s first full season in MLS, Apple also noted. Apple TV+ subscribers can add the MLS Season Pass for a discounted price of $12.99 per month or $79 per season.
Apple Sports is offered in English, French and Spanish and requires iOS 17.2 or later to download and run.