Apple launches Sports App for Real-Time Scores, Stats, Targeting Sports Enthusiasts

(CTN News) – Apple announced today the debut of Apple Sports, a new app for iPhone users, as part of its continued commitment to sports and subscriptions.

The app will provide sports fans with real-time scores, data, and other information about their favourite teams and leagues while introducing competition to existing sports score aggregators on the App Store.

Initially available in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, the app will provide information on the following leagues: MLS, NBA, NCAA, NHL, Bundesliga, LaLiga, Liga MX, Ligue 1, Premier League, and Serie A. Apple said more leagues would be added over time, including the MLB, NFL, NCASF, NWSL, and WNBA for the upcoming seasons.

The app allows users to customise their scoreboards to follow their favourite teams, leagues, and tournaments, as well as switch between various sections such as play-by-play information, team stats, lineup details, and live betting odds — the latter, however, can be turned off by the user in the settings, according to Apple.

Sports Growth for Apple Services:

According to TechCrunch, DraftKings provides the betting odds, but no revenue-sharing agreement exists because the app does not handle live betting.

While the app is free, it can steer customers to Apple’s other subscription options in live sports, such as the Apple TV app, which allows users to watch live games from Apple and other applications.

Over the last few years, the corporation has invested in its sports business, forming relationships with Major League Baseball and signing a 10-year streaming agreement that will begin in 2023. Last year, it began providing the MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app for $14.99 monthly or $99 each season.

In addition, Apple TV includes a multiview function for sports viewing, allowing you to watch Friday Night Baseball, Major League Soccer matches, and MLS and MLB live broadcasts. (The feature is now available for iPad.)

Sports can help Apple increase its services income, which reached a record $22.3 billion in the fourth quarter and includes Apple TV+, Apple Music, iCloud, the App Store, advertising, and other parts of the company’s operations.

Apple may eventually enhance its Sports app with premium services if desired, but the corporation has not yet disclosed any plans.

Furthermore, Apple claims that customers’ sports preferences are linked to their Apple ID and will sync across other apps to personalise their experiences on Apple TV and Apple News. Users can disable synchronisation if they choose. The data might potentially be used to enhance Apple’s personalised advertising.

The new sports app’s launch coincides with the start of the 29th season of MLS and Lionel Messi’s first full season with the league, according to Apple. Apple TV+ members can add an MLS Season Pass for $12.99 monthly or $79 per season.

Apple Sports is available in English, French, and Spanish, requiring iOS 17.2 or later to download and run.