• Apple will take over US Formula 1 broadcast rights in 2026 and plans to deploy its full ecosystem.
  • Apple intends to combine hardware, software and services to enhance live F1 coverage.
  • The company has used iPhone cameras in live sport and supplied miniaturised iPhone 15 Pro parts for the F1 movie.

H2: Apple vows to bring the whole company to F1

Apple’s global head of sports, Jim DeLorenzo, confirmed that when Apple starts broadcasting Formula 1 in the United States in 2026, it won’t be just a single product team running the show. Speaking at the Autosport Business Exchange in London, he said Apple will “bring the entire company to bear” to grow F1 with teams, drivers and fans.

DeLorenzo emphasised that the goal is simple: improve the fan experience. While he stopped short of announcing specific features, he teased that Apple will explore hardware, software and service integrations across its ecosystem to enhance race-day viewing.

H3: Proven hardware and production experience

Apple has already experimented with using its own hardware in live sports. Last baseball season, the company deployed iPhones as live cameras during a game — a first for that sport — and said it improved the customer experience.

More relevant to motorsport, Apple partnered with Sony for the recent F1 movie. Engineers used miniaturised cameras and components from the iPhone 15 Pro to build custom on-board camera rigs. Footage was captured in Apple Log ProRes and integrated directly into the film’s post-production workflow. That hands-on work demonstrates Apple’s ability to adapt its hardware for demanding live and cinematic capture scenarios.

H3: What fans might see on race weekends

There’s no confirmation yet that Apple will put iPhone-based cameras on race cars or in garages, but the company’s prior projects suggest several plausible directions:

  • Enhanced on-board and pit-lane cameras using compact Apple-designed modules.
  • Tighter integration of broadcast feeds with Apple software and cloud services for smoother replays and interactive features.
  • Cross-device viewing experiences on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and Mac that let fans choose camera angles and data overlays.

DeLorenzo also joked that many Apple engineers are “massive F1 fans,” hinting that internal enthusiasm could drive creative broadcast ideas.

H4: Timeline and next steps

Apple will assume US broadcast rights in 2026 after being chosen for its proven performance in sports media. Between now and then, expect Apple and Formula 1 to carry out technical trials, production planning and likely selective public previews of the new viewing features.

For now, Apple’s comments are an outline of intent rather than a detailed product roadmap. Fans should watch for further announcements as Apple fleshes out how its hardware, software and services will combine to reshape the F1 broadcast experience in the US.

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