Apple Sports App Launches, Highlighting Apple’s Investment in Sports and Subscriptions Business
Cupertino, California – Apple is further solidifying its presence in the sports and subscriptions industry with the introduction of a brand new app for iPhone users called Apple Sports. The tech giant’s push into sports is aimed at boosting its services revenue, which witnessed impressive numbers in the fourth quarter. Apple’s services revenue includes various aspects of its business such as Apple TV+, Apple Music, iCloud, the App Store, and advertising.
Apple Sports, which is available in English, French, and Spanish, requires iOS 17.2 or later to be downloaded and used. This innovative app offers sports enthusiasts real-time scores, statistics, and other vital information regarding their favorite teams and leagues.
Initially debuting in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, the app will cover numerous leagues including MLS, NBA, NCAA, NHL, Bundesliga, LaLiga, Liga MX, Ligue 1, Premier League, and Serie A. As time goes on, more leagues will be added, including MLB, NFL, NCASF, NWSL, and WNBA for their upcoming seasons.
With Apple Sports, users have the freedom to customize their scoreboards to track their beloved teams, leagues, and tournaments. They can also switch between various sections, such as play-by-play details, team statistics, lineup information, and even live betting odds. It’s important to note that the app does not support live betting, although the betting odds are provided by Draft Kings. There is no revenue sharing agreement between Apple and Draft Kings.
While Apple Sports is free of charge, it serves as a gateway for Apple to direct its customers to other subscription offerings related to live sports. In recent years, the company has strategically invested in its sports business, forging partnerships with Major League Baseball and offering the MLS Season Pass through the Apple TV app. Apple TV also provides a unique multiview feature for sports viewing, allowing users to enjoy events such as Friday Night Baseball and live shows featuring MLS and MLB matches.
In the future, Apple may introduce paid features to enhance the Sports app. Additionally, the data collected from the app can potentially be used to improve Apple’s personalized advertising capabilities.
Coinciding with the launch of the new sports app, the Major League Soccer (MLS) season has recently commenced, featuring renowned football star Lionel Messi’s debut full season with the league. Apple Sports aims to provide fans with the ultimate sports experience while further expanding Apple’s presence in the world of sports and entertainment.
Analyst comment
Positive news. Apple’s launch of the Apple Sports app shows their commitment to the sports and subscriptions industry, aiming to boost services revenue. The app offers real-time scores and statistics for multiple sports leagues. This move can enhance user engagement and potentially lead to increased subscriptions and personalized advertising opportunities for Apple. The expansion of the app and potential introduction of paid features will further solidify Apple’s presence in the market.
