Apple TV reveals new features for the F1 streaming experience Apfelpatient

Apple TV is poised for a major expansion, taking over Formula 1 broadcasts in the US starting with the 2026 season. The final race of the 2025 championship also marked the end of the ESPN era. From next year onward, all sessions will be available via an Apple TV subscription. Early official glimpses reveal what the new F1 channel will look like in the TV app and what features are planned. The focus is on a seamless streaming experience and closer integration with existing F1 offerings.

Apple has secured exclusive broadcasting rights for five years. This sends a clear signal that Apple TV is not just intended as a platform for movies and TV shows, but as a fully-fledged provider of live sports. The newly released details give a clear impression of what F1 fans can expect. Particularly interesting is the complete integration of onboard cameras, multiview, and access to F1.TV, which will be included in the regular Apple TV subscription. The upcoming launch demonstrates how strongly Apple is focusing on the technical implementation and the user experience.

The transition from ESPN to Apple TV

The 2025 season finale marks the last F1 race to be broadcast in the US via ESPN. From the 2026 season onward, Apple will exclusively hold all rights. All practice sessions, qualifying, sprints, and Grand Prix races will be streamed via Apple TV. The official season opener is scheduled for March 6-8, 2026. However, the TV app will make content from the previous season available beforehand, so the new F1 channel should be available in time for the first race weekend.

Through this partnership, Apple is taking a long-term approach. The deal runs for five years and aims to establish Formula 1 as a core component of Apple's streaming service. This will create a central hub for F1 content, eliminating the need for additional subscriptions.

Onboard cameras and multiview are integrated directly into Apple TV for the first time

Apple has officially confirmed that drivers' onboard cameras will be integrated into the new F1 section. This feature was previously exclusive to F1.TV users. It will be available in the Apple TV app at no extra cost. This is complemented by Multiview, which can display multiple perspectives simultaneously. These include, for example, the main broadcast, onboard camera feeds from different drivers, and additional informational views.

Multiview is supported on Apple TV set-top boxes, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro. This integration creates a flexible environment that technically enhances live racing and offers more control over the individual racing experience.

Further improvements and announced features

Apple has already indicated that further announcements will follow in the coming months. They plan to unveil additional production details and product improvements. The TV app will be continuously expanded to further enhance the F1 experience. Specific details are still lacking, but it's likely that topics such as data visualization, telemetry, replay functionality, and personalized layouts could play a role.

F1.TV will remain and will be usable via Apple TV

An important point: Apple is not replacing F1.TV. Instead, the service will be integrated into the existing F1.TV infrastructure. Anyone who has used F1.TV before can simply log in to the F1.TV app or website with their Apple TV account. A separate subscription is no longer necessary, as access is included in the Apple TV price. This means that all familiar F1.TV features will continue to be available.

This makes F1.TV a free component of the Apple TV subscription. Fans who appreciate additional camera angles or archive footage will retain the familiar environment.

Pricing structure and Apple One

Apple TV currently costs €9.99 per month. Alternatively, the Apple One bundle is available. This makes Apple TV cheaper, as it's bundled with iCloud storage, Apple Music, and other Apple services. This offers a financial advantage for users who subscribe to multiple Apple services.

A new standard for F1 streaming on Apple TV

The new F1 deal transforms Apple TV into a comprehensive streaming service for Formula 1 fans. With the integration of onboard cameras, multiview, pre-season content, and mobile access via F1.TV, Apple offers a broad and technically sophisticated solution. The start of the 2026 season marks the beginning of a new streaming era, significantly changing both the broadcast and the user experience. Apple TV is thus becoming a central hub for live sports and demonstrates the extent to which the service is set to expand in the future. (Image: Shutterstock / jamesteohart)