Technology company Apple has strengthened its ties to the sporting world, unveiling ‘Apple Sports’; a new unrestricted app that delivers live score updates and betting odds. The platform, which launched in the U.S., the U.K., and Canada on Wednesday, supports statistics for the NBA, NHL, NCAA, Premier League, Bundesliga and the MLS, to which Apple already owns the exclusive streaming rights.
The announcement continues Apple’s recent push into the world of live sports entertainment, following the successful launch of its MLS Season Pass in 2023. Eddy Cue, senior vice president of services, said the new Apple Sports app was just another way the company is helping fans engage with their favourite teams.
“We created Apple Sports to give sports fans what they want — an app that delivers incredibly fast access to scores and stats,” Cue said. “Apple Sports is available for free in the App Store, and makes it easy for users to stay up to date with their favourite teams and leagues.”
What is Apple Sports?
Apple Sports is a new free app created by technology company Apple that provides live up-to-date scores, betting odds, statistics and more on several international sporting leagues. According to the technology company, users customise their scoreboards on Apple Sports by following their favourite teams, tournaments, and leagues.
“Fans can easily navigate between scores and upcoming games; explore play-by-play information, team stats, lineup details, and live betting odds; and tap to go to the Apple TV app to watch live games from Apple and connected streaming apps,” Apple said in a press release. “Apple Sports will also seamlessly sync with favourites selected within the My Sports experience including in the Apple TV app and Apple News.”
Apple Sports works by tapping into existing streaming services, allowing you to utilise Apple TV+ or other supported platforms to view live games. Interestingly, while the app does show betting odds, Apple has confirmed that the app does not support betting. Instead, users can disable betting odds if they choose.
What Sports are on Apple Sports?
At launch, Apple has made several sports available, including those that it has exclusive rights for. According to the technology company, Apple Sports keeps fans up to date on the following leagues currently in season:
- MLS
- NBA
- NCAA basketball (men’s and women’s)
- NHL
- Bundesliga
- LaLiga
- Liga MX
- Ligue 1
- Premier League
- Serie A
Additional leagues will become available on Apple Sports over time, including MLB, NFL, NCAAF, NWSL, and WNBA for their upcoming seasons.
Apple Sports Price and Availability
Apple Sports officially launched in the U.S., the U.K. and Canada on February 22, with support for English, as well as French and Spanish where available. The app is free to download through the App Store and is compatible with all iPhone models running iOS 17.2 or later. Apple has not confirmed if or when the app will launch in Australia, however, it is worth noting that international streaming, licensing and distribution rights for sports vary from region to region, meaning Apple may have to negotiate with Australian rights holders prior to launch.
Apple Sports FAQs
Apple Sports is free to download through the App Store and is compatible with all iPhone models running iOS 17.2 or later
Apple Sports provides statistics, lives scores and betting odds on the NBA, however, it does not live broadcast the footage.
