February 21, 2024
Apple has introduced a new app for iPhone users, named Apple Sports, which offers real-time scores, statistics and updates to sports fans. Available in the US, UK and Canada, the app features play-by-play updates, betting odds and box scores. Importantly, it syncs with Apple News and Apple TV.
If you’re a sports fan you’ll be able to customise the app by following your favourite teams, tournaments and leagues, across sports including MLS, MLB and the Premier League. And for publishers in the sports space, this offers more opportunity to reach an engaged audience.
When I first opened Apple Sports, the customisation had already started. The app knew I was interested in the Premier League and it knew I was a fan of Tottenham Hotspur. It knew I also followed the NBA, but I didn’t have a team.
How did it know? I’d entered this information into the Sports section of Apple News already, and that exchange of information works both ways.
I already enjoy* personalised sports content about these interests in Apple News, and a new entry point for sports fans through Apple Sports means more readers will make their way through the Apple ecosystem into News - notching up more readership for publishers on Apple’s popular platform.
At present, Apple Sports shows a minimal amount of content, but I can’t help draw parallels between Apple Sports and Apple Stocks. Apple Stocks pulls in business news from Apple News and we often see huge spikes of traffic from the app.
Could Apple Sports become a dedicated app that brings together live scores and news from sports publishers? I wouldn’t be surprised.
FlatPlan: Supporting sports brands
FlatPlan, with its expertise in optimising content for Apple News, is uniquely positioned to assist sports publishers in making the most of this new development. Our work with brands like The Players' Tribune, 90min, The Sporting News, FIFA, UEFA, and Celtic FC highlights our commitment to enhancing sports content visibility on Apple News.
Through strategic content optimization and publication techniques, FlatPlan ensures that sports publishers can effectively reach and engage their target audience.
Get in touch if you would like to hear more about our services.
* As a Spurs fan I have to admit I don't always enjoy reading news on my team
No matter what stage you're at in your discovery of Apple News, we'll help you get the information you need to make the right decision for your media business.
Photo by Joshua Kantarges
