Apple TV streaming guide: How to watch MLB, MLS, F1 and original shows

Apple TV streaming guide: How to watch MLB, MLS, F1 and original shows originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Apple has built its reputation on iPhones, iPads, Macs and other popular devices, but its streaming service has become a growing option for sports fans, too. Through the Apple TV app, subscribers can watch Apple Originals, movies, documentaries and a growing lineup of live sports without needing a traditional cable package.

For sports fans, Apple TV is especially appealing because it goes beyond scripted shows and films. The service includes “Friday Night Baseball” during the MLB regular season, and beginning in 2026, Apple TV subscribers can stream every Major League Soccer match and Formula 1 coverage in the U.S. That gives baseball, soccer and racing fans another way to follow live events through one streaming app.

The Apple TV app is also available across Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, game consoles and web browsers, making it accessible for fans who want to watch at home or on the go. Viewers can use the app to find live games, upcoming events, pregame and postgame coverage, and sports programming tied to Apple’s live sports lineup.

Here is everything sports fans need to know about Apple TV, including subscription plans, pricing, live sports coverage, shows and movies, device compatibility and how to start streaming.

What is Apple TV?

Apple TV is Apple’s subscription streaming service for original shows, movies, documentaries and live sports. Fans watch the service through the Apple TV app, which is available on Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, game consoles, Android mobile devices, Windows devices and web browsers. It is also important to note the difference in Apple’s branding: Apple TV is the streaming service, the Apple TV app is where subscribers watch, and Apple TV 4K is Apple’s streaming device.

For sports fans, Apple TV has become a more important streaming option. A subscription includes Friday Night Baseball with up to two MLB games each Friday during the regular season, plus Major League Soccer and Formula 1 coverage in the U.S. Apple TV subscribers can watch MLS matches, Friday Night Baseball and F1 races through the Apple TV app, making it a useful service for baseball, soccer and racing fans who want live sports without a traditional cable package.

Apple TV also features a growing library of Apple Originals, including series, films, documentaries, kids’ programming and comedies, with new releases added regularly. That gives subscribers a mix of live sports and on-demand entertainment in one streaming service. Apple notes that a subscription does not include third-party Apple TV Channels or movies and shows that are only available to rent or buy inside the Apple TV app.

Apple TV subscription plans, prices

Apple TV keeps its subscription options simple compared to many other streaming services. There is one main standalone Apple TV plan, but subscribers can also get access through free trials, Apple One bundles, select Apple device offers, the Apple Music Student Plan and the Apple TV and Peacock bundle.

The standard Apple TV subscription costs $12.99 per month aftera seven-day free trial for new subscribers. The subscription includes Apple Originals, on-demand series and films, Friday Night Baseball during the MLB regular season and, beginning in 2026, U.S. access to every Major League Soccer match and Formula 1 coverage through the Apple TV app. Apple TV can be watched on Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, game consoles, Android mobile devices, Windows devices and web browsers.

Here are the main ways to get Apple TV:

• Monthly Apple TV subscription: Apple TV costs $12.99 per month after a free seven-day trial for new subscribers.
• Apple device offer: Customers who buy an eligible Apple device can get three months of Apple TV for free. The offer is for new and qualified returning subscribers and must be redeemed within Apple’s eligibility window.
• Apple One bundle: Apple TV is included in Apple One, which bundles Apple services such as Apple Music, Apple Arcade, iCloud+ and more. Apple One plans start at $19.95 per month.
• Apple Music Student Plan: Verified college students who subscribe to Apple Music can get free access to Apple TV as part of a limited-time student offer. The student plan is listed at $5.99 per month after a one-month Apple Music trial, and access ends when the student no longer qualifies or does not renew Apple Music Student.
• Apple TV and Peacock bundle: U.S. subscribers can also bundle Apple TV with Peacock. Apple lists the Apple TV and Peacock Premium bundle at $14.99 per month and the Apple TV and Peacock Premium Plus bundle at $19.99 per month. No free trial, discounted offers or annual plans are available for that bundle at launch.

For sports fans, the best option depends on what else they want to watch. The standalone Apple TV plan is the simplest choice for MLB, MLS, Formula 1 and Apple Originals, while Apple One may be the better value for users already paying for multiple Apple services. The Apple TV and Peacock bundle can also make sense for fans who want Apple’s sports lineup alongside Peacock’s live sports and entertainment library.

What sports are available to watch on Apple TV?

Apple TV has become a useful streaming service for sports fans, especially viewers who follow MLB, Major League Soccer and Formula 1. While Apple TV is still best known for Apple Originals, movies and documentaries, its live sports lineup gives subscribers another way to watch select games and events without a traditional cable package.

For baseball fans, Apple TV is the home of “Friday Night Baseball,” which features MLB doubleheaders during the regular season. The weekly package gives subscribers access to national MLB matchups through the Apple TV app, making it a strong option for fans who want more live baseball throughout the season. Apple announced that “Friday Night Baseball” returned for its fifth season in 2026.

Apple TV is also a major destination for soccer fans. Beginning with the 2026 MLS season, all MLS matches and exclusive programming are included with an Apple TV subscription at no additional cost. That is an important update for fans who previously knew the service as MLS Season Pass, which was offered as a separate subscription. The standalone MLS Season Pass subscription ended after the 2025 season, and MLS matches are now part of Apple TV.

Formula 1 fans in the U.S. can also watch F1 on Apple TV. Apple and Formula 1 announced a five-year partnership that makes Apple TV the exclusive U.S. broadcast home for F1 beginning with the 2026 season. That includes live race coverage, along with practice, qualifying, sprint sessions and on-demand race content through the Apple TV app.

In short, Apple TV’s sports lineup includes:

• Friday Night Baseball during the MLB regular season
• Every MLS match and MLS programming
• Formula 1 races, practice, qualifying and sprint sessions in the U.S.
• Select sports documentaries, original series and behind-the-scenes programming

For sports fans, Apple TV is not a full cable replacement like some live TV streaming services, but it has become an important subscription for baseball, soccer and F1 coverage. It is especially valuable for fans who want Apple’s live sports lineup alongside Apple Originals, sports documentaries and on-demand entertainment in one app.

Current Apple TV offers and promotions

Apple TV currently offers a few ways for new and eligible subscribers to save, including a standard free trial, device offers and bundle options. Promotions can change, so viewers should always check Apple’s latest offer terms before signing up, especially if they are subscribing for a specific live sports season or event.

New subscribers can start with a free seven-day trial before the regular monthly price begins. After the trial, Apple TV costs $12.99 per month unless canceled. Apple also offers three free months of Apple TV with the purchase of an eligible Apple device, including select iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K and Mac purchases.

Apple TV is also included in Apple One, which bundles Apple services such as Apple Music, Apple Arcade, iCloud+ and more into one monthly subscription. Apple One plans start at $19.95 per month, and Apple One includes a free one-month trial for services a customer does not already have.

Students may also be able to get Apple TV through the Apple Music Student Plan. Eligible Apple Music student subscribers can get free access to Apple TV for a limited time.

For U.S. customers, Apple also offers an Apple TV and Peacock bundle. The bundle starts at $14.99 per month with Peacock Premium, while the Apple TV and Peacock Premium Plus bundle costs $19.99 per month. That can be a strong option for sports fans who want Apple TV’s MLB, MLS and Formula 1 coverage alongside Peacock’s live sports and entertainment library.

How do I sign up for Apple TV?

Signing up for Apple TV is simple, and new subscribers may be eligible for a free trial or a promotional offer with the purchase of a qualifying Apple device. Sports fans should sign up through the Apple TV app or Apple TV website, then use the app to stream live sports, Apple Originals, movies, documentaries and on-demand programming.

Here is how to sign up for Apple TV:

1. Go to the Apple TV app or website
   Open the Apple TV app on a supported device or visit Apple TV online. If you are using an eligible Apple device, you may see an option to redeem a promotional offer.
2. Choose Apple TV
   Select the Apple TV subscription option. This is the streaming service that includes Apple Originals, Friday Night Baseball, MLS matches, Formula 1 coverage in the U.S. and other available programming.
3. Sign in with your Apple Account
   Log in with your existing Apple Account or create a new one. Your Apple Account is used to manage your subscription, billing and access across supported devices.
4. Review any free trial or promotional offer
   New subscribers may be eligible for a free trial, and customers who recently purchased a qualifying Apple device may be eligible for an extended promotional offer. Make sure the offer is applied before confirming your subscription.
5. Confirm your billing information
   Add or review your payment method, then confirm your purchase. After the trial or promotional period ends, your subscription will renew at the regular monthly price unless canceled.
6. Start streaming in the Apple TV app
   Once your subscription is active, you can watch Apple TV on Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, game consoles and web browsers.

Before signing up, sports fans should confirm that Apple TV includes the live sports coverage they want, including Friday Night Baseball, MLS and Formula 1, because Apple TV is not a full cable replacement and does not carry every major league or sports network.

Apple TV pros and cons

Apple TV has become a more interesting streaming option for sports fans, especially with MLB, MLS and Formula 1 included alongside Apple Originals, movies and documentaries. It is not a full cable replacement, but it can be a strong value for fans who care about the sports Apple carries.

Pros

• Strong value for the price: At $12.99 per month after a seven-day free trial, Apple TV is much cheaper than a traditional cable package and many live TV streaming services. For sports fans, the value is stronger now that Apple TV includes Friday Night Baseball, MLS and Formula 1 in one subscription.
• A growing live sports lineup: Apple TV includes Friday Night Baseball, every MLS match and Formula 1 coverage in the U.S. That makes it especially useful for baseball, soccer and racing fans who want live sports without cable. Formula 1 coverage includes races, practice, qualifying and sprint sessions.
• MLS is now included with Apple TV: Soccer fans no longer need a separate MLS Season Pass subscription for the 2026 season. All MLS matches and exclusive programming are now included with Apple TV at no additional cost.
• No blackouts for MLS: Apple’s MLS page says subscribers can watch the full 2026 MLS season with no blackouts, which is a major perk for fans who want reliable access to their favorite club.
• Great mix of sports and entertainment: Apple TV is not just live games. Subscribers also get Apple Originals, sports documentaries, movies and series, giving the service year-round value even outside MLB, MLS or F1 seasons.
• Easy to watch on multiple devices: Fans can stream Apple TV through the Apple TV app on Apple devices, Android devices, smart TVs, streaming sticks and web browsers, making it easy to watch live sports at home or on the go.
• Family Sharing adds value: One Apple TV subscription can work for up to six people with Family Sharing, which makes it more useful for households with multiple viewers.

Cons

• Not a full sports cable replacement: Apple TV has valuable sports rights, but it does not carry every major league, national sports network or local channel. Fans who want NFL, NBA, NHL, college football, college basketball or regional sports networks will likely still need another service.
• Sports lineup is focused on select leagues: Apple TV is a strong fit for MLB, MLS and Formula 1 fans, but less useful for viewers who do not regularly watch baseball, soccer or racing.
• Some content in the Apple TV app costs extra: An Apple TV subscription does not include everything inside the Apple TV app. Some third-party channels, rentals and purchases are separate from the monthly Apple TV subscription.
• Sports availability can vary by country: The live sports lineup is especially relevant for U.S. fans, but Apple notes that Apple TV subscription features and sports availability can vary by country or region.