Apple has recently launched a new Sports app that aims to provide fans with fast and frequent score updates, team stats, play breakdowns, and even betting odds from DraftKings. The app, which is free and ad-free, is currently available for iPhone users in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. This move by Apple highlights the increasing importance of sports to the company’s services business.
Apple’s Sports app is part of its strategy to expand its sports streaming offerings. The company has a 10-year deal to stream Major League Soccer games on Apple TV Plus and also has rights to stream certain Major League Baseball games. In the past, Apple has explored the possibility of acquiring the rights to stream the NFL’s Sunday Ticket package. By launching this new app, Apple is positioning itself as a go-to destination for sports fans who want quick and reliable updates.
One of the key features of Apple’s Sports app is its integration with other Apple services. Once users select their favorite teams and leagues to follow, they will start receiving relevant updates in the Sports section of Apple’s News app. Additionally, if Apple or a connected streaming app has the rights to air a game that users are following, they can easily access the live stream directly from the Sports app.
While a fast and free tool for up-to-the-minute scores is undoubtedly useful, Apple’s Sports app does come with some limitations. Currently, it does not generate notifications or Live Activities, which are persistent notifications that appear on iPhone lock screens to provide in-the-moment updates. Users also do not have the option to place an Apple Sports widget on their iPhone’s home screen for passive tracking of game changes. However, Apple has stated that it will continue to release new features and functionality for the app.
The absence of notifications and widgets may seem puzzling at first, as it requires users to actively open the app for updates. It is unclear whether this is the intended user experience or if time constraints played a role in these decisions. Interestingly, Apple released the Sports app on the same day that the 2024 MLS season, which they will exclusively stream, began. Apple has not provided any official comment on this matter.
Overall, Apple’s new Sports app is a promising addition to its services lineup. With its focus on fast score updates, team stats, and play breakdowns, it caters to the needs of sports fans who want to stay informed. While the absence of notifications and widgets may be a drawback for some users, Apple’s commitment to releasing new features suggests that these limitations may be addressed in future updates. As sports continue to play a significant role in Apple’s services business, it will be interesting to see how the company further expands its offerings in this space.
