If you're a football fan, one of the best things about Apple TV is the MLS Season Pass. Starting earlier this year, the tech giant entered a ten-year partnership with the American top-tier, offering global broadcasts through their streaming service.
It's been a big success. While there are no official numbers just yet, a source close to the situation suggests it is approaching 1 million subscribers. That's up from around 700,000 in early June – likely due to the arrival of international superstars like Lionel Messi.
It's not hard to see why, either. I caught a few games when the service was free-to-all for a weekend, and the quality is exceptional. Video footage is crisp and the commentary teams are entertaining without being overbearing. Oh, and don't believe what you hear about the quality of football either – the league has come on leaps and bounds of late, offering strong competition with elite players.
With the quality Apple has already demonstrated with the service, many have hoped to see something similar for the Premier League. That's notoriously difficult to watch, with broadcast spread across multiple platforms. Each of those platforms has it's own exorbitant fee, and even then, not every game is shown across them.
It's not hard to see why people want an Apple-esque platform to work some magic. Every single game, for one transparent fee – simple.
But it doesn't look like it's happening. That's according to the chief of Apple services, Eddy Cue, who spoke with the Daily Mail about the topic. His rationale is that they would only look to strike a deal which could be accessed globally, similar to the MLS Season Pass. Cue said, "We're a global company, we have customers in every country in the world, and it's not exciting for me to have something that you can have but you can't have."
It's a fair argument. One of the most appealing things about the MLS Season Pass from a user perspective is its simplicity. There's no worrying about hidden fees or geo-restrictions. You pay your set fee and go about your business.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
That also works out well for Apple. Their global package allows them to market the product worldwide, without fears of interfering with licence holders in certain territories. Given the sheer volume of partners the Premier League has in different markets, it would take a drastic change to make a one-platform service viable.
Sam is an award-winning journalist with over six years of experience across print and digital media. As T3’s Senior Staff Writer, Sam covers everything from new phones and EVs to luxury watches and fragrances. Working across a range of different social media platforms alongside his written work, Sam is a familiar face for fans of T3. When he’s not reviewing snazzy products or hunting for stellar deals, Sam enjoys football, analog photography and writing music.
-
Scrap long workouts — this 20-minute session helps build muscle and strength all over
Don’t want to head to the gym either? You can do this workout from the comfort of your home
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
Google Wallet could get a useful upgrade for organisation in the near future
Finding things in your Google Wallet is going to be even easier soon
By Sam Cross Published
-
Apple's best sci-fi show is now available to watch for free
One of the biggest shows on Apple TV+ is now also available on a free streaming rival
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Apple TV+ bringing back superb comedy many thought was dead... and soon
Apple's first big sitcom returns
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Apple TV+ gives everyone a great free gift – even if you don't subscribe
Watch Silo, Severance and Slow Horses for free
By Rik Henderson Published
-
My biggest Carpool Karaoke problem got fixed by Apple
I'm not trying to be mean, here
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
3 best Apple TV+ sci-fi shows to watch after Silo
With the second season of Silo reaching its conclusion soon, here are three other sci-fi hits on Apple TV+ you mustn't miss
By Brian Comber Published
-
Apple TV+ brings a comedy classic back from the dead, just in time for Christmas
Santa Claus is coming to town, in the form of Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa and Chappell Roan
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Anya Taylor-Joy stuns in trailer for Apple TV+'s hellish sci-fi love story
The Gorge has one hell of a twist
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Apple TV+ finally drops the trailer I've been waiting over a year for
Severance's second season looks huge
By Max Freeman-Mills Published