If you're searching for apple for sport to follow a match, Apple Sports is a free iPhone app for live scores and stats. Start with the competition you follow: a Lock Screen update or widget only helps if that competition appears in the app.
Does Apple Sports cover the competition you follow?
Apple Sports lets you follow teams, leagues and tournaments to personalise your scoreboard. For an Australian reader, the useful first step is to look for your competition when choosing what to follow.
| Competition | What matters for your decision |
|---|---|
| AFL or NRL | EFTM reported that scores and team listings for both were absent at the Australian launch in May 2026. That's a launch-time finding, so look for the competition in the app before setting up updates. |
| A-League Men | The App Store listing for Portugal names A-League Men. Competition availability can vary by region, so its place on that list doesn't establish what you'll see in Australia. |
| Another competition | Look for its league and teams in the app's follow options. If they're listed, you can add them to your scoreboard. |
This choice comes before widgets or Live Activities. If the competition you want isn't listed, changing where scores appear won't add it.
Where do Apple Sports scores appear?
You can browse scores in the iPhone app or use a quicker score surface during the day. These options have different jobs:
| Score surface | What you'll use it for |
|---|---|
| Apple Sports on iPhone | Browse your personalised scoreboard and open a game for more detail. |
| iPhone Lock Screen Live Activity | Follow a live score without reopening the app. |
| Apple Watch Live Activity | See live updates on your watch under the software conditions Apple Support describes. |
| Widget | Glance at scores and upcoming schedules on an iPhone, iPad or Mac. |
Apple describes Apple Sports itself as an iPhone app. A widget on an iPad or Mac doesn't mean the app runs there.
Should you choose a My Teams or League widget?
Choose My Teams for scores and schedules centred on teams you've favourited. Choose League to scan teams across a competition. If you usually follow one club, the first view keeps the focus narrow; if you follow the whole league, the second gives you the broader picture.
What can you see when you open a match?
Apple Sports provides real-time scores and stats. Open a game when you want further game details than the scoreboard shows; use a Live Activity when a glance at the score will do.
Does a live score include a way to watch?
Apple Sports can open viewing options in the Apple TV app. Installing the free scores app doesn't itself include a live stream. Apple Newsroom describes subscription conditions for named offerings including MLS Season Pass and Friday Night Baseball, so choose a viewing option separately from the way you follow a score.
What do you need to get started?
On your iPhone, find Apple Sports in the App Store, tap Get and complete the requested authentication. Then choose the teams and competitions you want to follow. The App Store listing states that an internet connection is required.
Software requirements need their context. Apple Support's installation instructions name iOS 17.2, while the App Store listing for Portugal states iOS 18 compatibility. For the Apple Watch Live Activities described in its overview, Apple Support specifies iOS 18 and watchOS 11.
Which Apple Sports setup fits your use?
Make the choice in this order:
- Find your competition. This is the deciding step, particularly if you follow AFL or NRL.
- Pick a score surface. Open the iPhone app for game details, use a Live Activity during a match, or choose a widget for regular glances.
- Separate scores from viewing. If you want to watch, consider the Apple TV viewing option on its own terms.