Apple today released a new app for iPhone users, Apple Sports, as it continues to invest in its sports and subscription business. This app allows sports fans to access real-time scores, statistics, and other information about their favorite teams and leagues, as well as introducing competitions with other sports his 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, La Liga, Liga MX, Ligue 1, Premier League and Serie A. It is. Apple says more leagues will be added. Content for upcoming seasons such as MLB, NFL, NCASF, NWSL, WNBA, etc. will be available over time.
Image credits: apple
The app allows users to customize their scoreboard to track their favorite teams, leagues, and tournaments, as well as switch between different sections such as play-by-play information, team stats, lineup details, and live betting odds. can. However, he said Apple says users can optionally turn it off in Settings. The company told TechCrunch that while the betting odds are provided by Draft Kings, the app itself does not support live betting, so there is no revenue sharing agreement.
Image credits: apple
While the app itself is free to use, Apple is using it to drive customers to other subscription services for live sports through the Apple TV app, which allows users to watch live games from Apple and other apps. Helpful. The company has been investing in sports in recent years, partnering with Major League Baseball on a 10-year streaming deal starting in 2023. Last year, it also began offering MLS season passes through the Apple TV app. $14.99 per month or $99 per season. Additionally, Apple TV offers multi-view sports viewing capabilities for watching Friday Night Baseball, Major League Soccer games, MLS and MLB live shows, and more. (This feature is now also available on iPad).
Sports could help drive Apple's services revenue, which reached a record $22.3 billion in the fourth quarter, including Apple TV+, Apple Music, iCloud, App Store, Includes Apple's business areas, including advertising. Apple could expand its sports app with paid features over time if it wishes, but the company has not announced any plans in that regard at this time.
Additionally, Apple says your sports interests are tied to your Apple ID and synced across other apps to personalize your experience on Apple TV and Apple News. Users can turn off syncing if needed. This data may also be used to improve Apple's personalized advertising.
The release of the new sports app will coincide with the kickoff of MLS's 29th season and Lionel Messi's first full season in MLS, Apple said. Apple TV+ subscribers can add MLS Season Pass for 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 later to download and run.