Apple has revealed that iOS 18 and watchOS 11 will have live sports scores on the iPhone and Apple Watch lock screens, ahead of the company’s main product announcement on September 9.
The announcement will come as a pleasant boost for NFL fans who use iPhones or Apple Watches, as the football season kicks off on September 5 with the Kansas City Chiefs against the Baltimore Ravens.
For soccer fans, Apple has confirmed that the Champions League and Europa League will be available on the Apple Sports app starting in September. These tournaments will join the NFL and 14 other football, baseball, basketball, ice hockey, and soccer leagues that support lock screens.
Apple described in a press release the addition of many new capabilities to the Apple Sports app in iOS 18 and watchOS 11, the most notable of which is the capability to view live scores without having to unlock your device. The upgrade will be available for free.
Apple Sports Update: Real-Time Score Updates and More Exciting Features! 🏆📱
Apple is stepping up its game in the world of sports with a significant update to its sports features, making it easier than ever for fans to follow their favorite teams and sports. With Live Activities integrated into the Apple Sports app, users can now receive real-time play-by-play score updates right on their devices. Whether you’re watching a thrilling football game or tracking the latest basketball scores, you can stay in the loop with just a glance at your phone.
What’s New in Apple Sports?
- Top 25 College Football Teams
Apple is adding live score updates for the top 25 American college football teams, with the rankings refreshed every week. This is a huge win for college football fans who want to stay updated without flipping through multiple apps or websites. - Faster Navigation and Seamless Experience
The update introduces drop-down navigation on the scorecard screens, allowing users to quickly switch between feeds for their favorite leagues, teams, and scorecards. The streamlined design makes navigating between different games more intuitive, helping fans get to the action faster. - Improved Search Capabilities
Searching for games in leagues you’re not currently following just got easier. With enhanced search features, finding games across multiple leagues and sports is now more efficient than ever. No more missing out on exciting matchups just because they’re outside of your usual lineup. - Live Betting Information
For those who enjoy betting on their favorite sports, Apple is offering live betting odds for select leagues. Of course, you can choose to disable this feature in the settings at any time if you prefer not to see betting information.
Where Is Apple Sports Available?
Currently, Apple Sports is only available in the US, UK, and Canada. Unfortunately, there are no plans to expand into other countries at the moment, so fans outside these regions will have to wait for further updates.
Apple TV Users: A Disappointment
While the new features are exciting, there’s one downside for Apple TV users: Live Activities will not be available on Apple TV when iOS 18 is released. This means that you won’t be able to enjoy the real-time score updates on your big screen, which could be a bummer for those who were hoping to get the full experience on Apple’s smart TV platform.
Looking Ahead: Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” Event
Apple is also gearing up for its highly anticipated “It’s Glowtime” event on September 9, where they are expected to unveil the new iPhone 16 series and Apple Watch Series 10. With these exciting announcements on the horizon, the event is sure to be a major highlight for Apple fans worldwide.
Final Thoughts
Apple Sports’ new updates bring a host of exciting features for sports fans, especially with the ability to follow multiple games at once and get real-time score updates. While there are a few limitations, such as the lack of availability on Apple TV and the restricted availability to select countries, the new features are a big step forward for Apple’s sports ecosystem. For anyone in the US, UK, or Canada, it’s time to enjoy a smoother and more engaging sports experience like never before!
Stay tuned for more updates and mark your calendars for Apple’s big event in September. Get ready for iPhone 16 and Apple Watch Series 10 — we can’t wait to see what Apple has in store!
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