Apple has a Sports app. Will anyone use it?

Apple’s new app doesn’t do enough.

Apple released a new app last week: Apple Sports. The app can be used for real-time scores and statistics. Most likely, the app will be used to promote Apple’s MLS and MLB live broadcasts on Apple TV. The app is currently available in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.

Oddly enough, Apple Sports is unlike any other sports app I’ve ever used.

The interface is cleaner than others, being that it’s Apple, and there are no ads, which is always welcome. But it can only be used for real-time scores. There’s no commentary. There’s also no NFL, MLB, UFC, MMA, NASCAR, or Formula 1.

It’s remarkably unfinished, too. As mentioned, there is no commentary available, apart from the betting odds available. All fans can see are basic stat sheets that anyone can grab from ESPN or CBS. It’s hard to believe that this app will have enough for anyone to switch from their main sports app of choice.

The idea to omit any commentary is an odd one. My personal sports apps of choice are both the CBS Sports app and The Athletic, and both have a commentary function. CBS Sports has a “tweets” section, which references commentary from journalists and the teams involved. The Athletic has its own built-in forum allowing fans to discuss the game. Apple Sports offers none of that.

This is odd considering that sports apps are generally treated as a “hub” for fans to get news and coverage from their favorite teams. Fans aren’t choosing these apps for scores alone. Perhaps Apple may find it useful to integrate some Apple News functions inside of its sports app.

Unfortunately, it seems as though Apple Sports is just a way for Apple to promote its games on Apple TV, namely its MLS Season Pass, which launched last year. The new season just started directly after the launch of Apple Sports. It’s also probably why the icon for the app on iOS is a soccer pitch.

It’s a nice addition for Apple to add in its line of apps, but really doesn’t move the needle any further. My guess is it becomes the next Stocks app: preinstalled with each version of iOS but never doing enough for anyone to use it as their default trading app.