Apple has announced that it has released a sports score tracking app ‘Apple Scores‘ that can be installed on any Apple device.
The free app will display scores for several major leagues with users able to follow specific teams to get notifications of scores. The app will also include sports betting odds for games, but according to Apple’s announcement, this can be turned off by a user. This suggests that displayed odds will be the default setting on the app.
Odds on the app will be provided by DraftKings.
The app was launched in the US, Canada, and the UK on Wednesday.
Apple services chief Eddy Cue said of the new app:
“You want your scores basically to be real time. You want them to be really easy to get to. And nothing else is getting in the way. And that’s the primary purpose of the app.”
Cue added that the app will be integrated with Apple TV with goal of offering fans a direct link to a game that is being broadcast live. The app will also take an existing user’s sports preferences and when the app is first launched, their favorite teams and leagues are displayed.
“As a huge sports fan, there’s never been a better time, there’s never been a worse time. The best time is that pretty much everything in the world is televised in some fashion. But it’s never been worse. Because of the amount of services, the rights, the blackouts, the restrictions.
In an ideal world, when I’m looking at the Duke game, it says open the TV app, I’d like it to get me to the game of basketball. And that’s what we try to do.”
Apple has stated that the app supports the following leagues:
- MLB
- NFL
- NCAA football
- WNBA
- MLS
- NBA
- NCAA basketball (men’s and women’s)
- NHL
- Bundesliga
- LaLiga
- Liga MX
- Ligue 1
- Premier League
- Serie A
In recent years, Apple has ventured into the world of sports by acquiring broadcasting rights for Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer games. Additionally, it has bolstered its sports journalism offerings within the News app and aired documentaries focusing on sports teams like the Golden State Warriors and the New England Patriots on Apple TV+.
Last year, Apple made a bid for the rights to National Football League games, as reported by CNBC. Although they ultimately lost to YouTube, Apple is anticipated to actively participate in the forthcoming negotiations for National Basketball Association rights. Similar to Google and Amazon, Apple is positioning itself as a major player in the sports broadcasting arena.
An experienced iGaming commentator and analyst based in New York City - Jenny reports on regulation and gambling industry news and events.