Apple has announced that its Vision Pro headset will soon feature live “immersive” sports content, starting with a selection of Los Angeles Lakers games for the upcoming NBA season. The company revealed that this marks the first time live sports will be available in Apple Immersive Video, giving users an entirely new way to experience basketball from their homes.
Bringing the game courtside
According to Apple, Vision Pro users will be able to watch select Lakers games “as if they were courtside,” offering views and perspectives that traditional broadcasts cannot capture. The technology uses Apple’s proprietary Immersive Video format, which combines high-resolution visuals with spatial audio to create a sense of depth and realism.
The company said the experience is designed to make viewers feel the intensity of the game as though they were sitting beside the court. “Vision Pro users will be able to feel the intensity of each game as if they were courtside, with perspectives that are impossible to capture in traditional broadcasts,” Apple stated.
Expanding Apple’s immersive content library
The introduction of live sports continues Apple’s efforts to expand the Vision Pro’s library of immersive content. Since its launch, the headset has featured a range of experiences showcasing its advanced display and processing capabilities.
Among these are a scripted short film set inside a submarine, a Metallica concert, and a cinematic feature filmed during the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend. These experiences demonstrate the headset’s ability to deliver high-quality, multidimensional storytelling that fully immerses viewers in their surroundings.
The addition of live Lakers games marks a significant step forward for the platform, merging the excitement of real-time sports with Apple’s cutting-edge technology. It signals Apple’s growing interest in redefining entertainment formats for the Vision Pro ecosystem.
Launch details and availability
Apple confirmed that the first Los Angeles Lakers game in Apple Immersive Video will be available early next year. Fans will be able to access the broadcasts through the NBA app or the new Spectrum SportsNet app, both of which are compatible with Vision Pro.
The full schedule of games is expected to be announced later in the autumn. To enjoy the immersive broadcasts, users will need to update their devices to visionOS 26.
By introducing live NBA coverage in this format, Apple aims to attract sports enthusiasts looking for a more interactive and engaging viewing experience. The move could also pave the way for additional live sporting events to be streamed on the Vision Pro, potentially expanding into other major leagues and competitions in the future.
