The Ultimate Guide: Everything You Need to Know in 2026

In a surprising move last year, Apple secured an exclusive Formula 1 streaming deal and announced that it would offer an F1 premium package to all Apple TV subscribers at no extra cost. Additionally, the paywall for the MLS Season Pass was removed, allowing Major League Soccer to follow suit.

These initiatives were slated to begin with the 2026 seasons, and now that the time has come, we are getting a glimpse of what to expect. A new Formula 1 channel appeared in Apple’s TV app for US users, situated between “Apple TV” and “MLS.” This channel will grant access to all F1 content in the US, including practice, qualifying, Sprint sessions, and the entire 2026 F1 Season Grand Prix from Australia to Abu Dhabi. This expansion of content is included in the standard $12.99 monthly Apple TV subscription, with even lower rates for annual commitments or Apple One bundles.

Apple TV subscribers can also access F1 TV Premium by logging in with their Apple Account in the F1 app. This means that an Apple TV subscription replaces the standalone F1 TV Pro subscription for US users.

However, for those uninterested in F1 racing, the presence of the “Formula 1” channel in the Apple TV app may be disappointing, as there is no option to remove or hide it.

Some had hoped for a unified “Sports” section encompassing both Formula 1 and MLS, but Apple has chosen to keep them separate. The MLS section, now simply named “MLS,” remains distinct with open access to all Apple TV subscribers. While the MLS Season Pass content remains largely unchanged, the removal of the subscription requirement is a significant benefit for soccer fans.

With the 2026 Major League Soccer season commencing, all the live match, pregame, postgame, and whip-around coverage will be available on Apple TV. This move aims to attract more viewers, as emphasized by MLS commissioner Don Garber when the deal was first announced.

Both Formula 1 and MLS are expected to benefit from these deals, with executives hoping to leverage the enthusiasm generated by Apple’s F1 movie to increase viewership of the actual races on Apple TV. While F1 races are set to begin next month, the MLS season kicks off this weekend, marking a new chapter in sports entertainment for Apple TV subscribers.