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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Apple Sports can be installed on an iPhone running iOS 17.2 or later, but its Lock Screen Live Activities—live scores and play updates—require iOS 18 or later. Apple’s iOS 18-compatible list starts with the iPhone XR and XS generation, includes every iPhone 11 through iPhone 16 family model, and includes the iPhone SE (2nd generation) and newer. You must also be in a supported region, select teams in Apple Sports, and allow Live Activities in the Sports settings.
Supported iPhones at a glance
The hardware question is answered by Apple’s iOS 18 compatibility list. If your model appears below and it is actually updated to iOS 18 or a later release, it meets the device requirement for Apple Sports Live Activities.
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| iPhone family | Models on Apple’s iOS 18 list |
|---|---|
| iPhone XR and XS generation | iPhone XR; iPhone XS; iPhone XS Max |
| iPhone 11 | iPhone 11; iPhone 11 Pro; iPhone 11 Pro Max |
| iPhone 12 | iPhone 12 mini; iPhone 12; iPhone 12 Pro; iPhone 12 Pro Max |
| iPhone 13 | iPhone 13 mini; iPhone 13; iPhone 13 Pro; iPhone 13 Pro Max |
| iPhone 14 | iPhone 14; iPhone 14 Plus; iPhone 14 Pro; iPhone 14 Pro Max |
| iPhone 15 | iPhone 15; iPhone 15 Plus; iPhone 15 Pro; iPhone 15 Pro Max |
| iPhone 16 | iPhone 16; iPhone 16 Plus; iPhone 16 Pro; iPhone 16 Pro Max |
| iPhone SE | iPhone SE (2nd generation) and iPhone SE (3rd generation) |
Apple’s published list is the relevant cutoff for this feature. Older models that are not on that iOS 18 list cannot meet the Live Activities software requirement, even if they can run an older version of the Sports app.
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The two iOS requirements are different
Installing Apple Sports
Apple Support says the Apple Sports app is available free, where available in the App Store, on any iPhone with iOS 17.2 or later when you are signed in to an Apple Account. That requirement only covers installing and opening the app. It does not confirm that the phone can show Live Activities on its Lock Screen.
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Using Live Activities
Apple states that Live Activities—live scores and play updates on the iPhone Lock Screen—require iOS 18 or later. The app may therefore appear to work on an iOS 17.2, 17.3, 17.6 or other iOS 17 device while the Lock Screen feature remains unavailable. Updating the operating system is a separate step from installing the app.
What the feature displays
When enabled for a selected team, Apple Sports can surface real-time scores and play updates on the Lock Screen instead of requiring you to open the app repeatedly. Apple’s user guide also describes Live Activities on Apple Watch, but that combination requires iOS 18 or later on the iPhone and watchOS 11 or later on the watch.
Four checks that determine whether it will work
Use these checks in order. A failure at any one of them can explain why the app installs but no score appears on the Lock Screen.
- Model: Confirm that the exact iPhone model is in the iOS 18 list above. Storage size, color and cellular carrier do not change this compatibility list.
- Operating system: Open
Settings > General > Software Updateand verify that the phone is running iOS 18 or later. A compatible model that has not been updated still behaves like an iOS 17 device for this feature. - App and region: Install or update Apple Sports from the App Store. Apple notes that the app and its features may vary by country or region, so an eligible phone may still have limited availability where you live.
- Team and permissions: In Apple Sports, choose teams under
Manage Live Activities, then reviewSettings > Apps > Sports > Live Activities. Without a selected team and the relevant setting enabled, there is no event for the Lock Screen to display.
How to turn on Apple Sports Live Activities
After confirming the model, software version and regional availability, configure the feature in Apple Sports.
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- Update the iPhone to iOS 18 or a later version through
Settings > General > Software Update. Complete any restart or passcode prompts and wait for the update to finish. - Open the App Store, search for Apple Sports and install it, or tap Update if it is already installed.
- Launch Apple Sports and sign in to your Apple Account if the App Store or app requests it.
- Open
Manage Live Activitiesin Apple Sports. Select the teams whose games you want to follow and save the choices. - Open
Settings > Apps > Sports > Live Activities. Review the available update-frequency control and choose the frequency that fits your preference. - Follow a supported team during a live game. The score or play update should appear as a Live Activity on the iPhone Lock Screen when the event and region support the feature.
Team selection is deliberate rather than automatic. Installing the app alone does not subscribe the Lock Screen to every team or competition.
Why you can install the app but see no Live Activity
The iPhone is still on iOS 17
This is the most common explanation. The App Store requirement is iOS 17.2 or later, while Live Activities have the higher iOS 18 gate. Check the installed version instead of assuming that a successful installation proves feature compatibility.
The model is eligible but has not been updated
An iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16 or second-generation-or-newer iPhone SE can be on Apple’s hardware list and still be running an older iOS release. Install the available iOS 18 update, then reopen Apple Sports.
No teams are selected
Apple Sports needs a team assignment before it knows which games should create a Live Activity. Return to Manage Live Activities, select a team, and check again during a live event rather than during an off-season or completed game.
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The Sports Live Activities setting needs attention
Use Settings > Apps > Sports > Live Activities to verify the feature and adjust update frequency. If the setting is unavailable or behaves differently, update iOS and the Sports app first, then revisit the same path.
Availability differs in your country or region
Apple qualifies both app availability and individual features by country or region. A supported model and iOS version do not override a regional restriction. Check whether Apple Sports is offered in your App Store region and whether Live Activities are included there.
The event is not producing an update yet
Live Activities are intended for live scores and play updates. If a selected team is not currently playing, or the game has ended, there may be no active Lock Screen card to show. Test with a selected team during an ongoing game after completing the setup steps.
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Does the iPhone 11 support Apple Sports Live Activities?
Yes, all three iPhone 11 models—iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max—are on Apple’s iOS 18-compatible list. They still need to be updated to iOS 18 or later, have Apple Sports available in the region, and have teams selected under Manage Live Activities.
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Do iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 models work?
Yes. Apple lists every iPhone 12 model, including the 12 mini and both Pro versions, and every iPhone 13 model, including the 13 mini and both Pro versions. The same iOS, app, region and team-selection conditions apply.
What about the iPhone SE?
The iPhone SE (2nd generation) and iPhone SE (3rd generation) are included in Apple’s iOS 18 list. The original iPhone SE is not included in that published list, so it does not meet the iOS 18 requirement for this feature.
Are the iPhone XR and XS included?
Yes. Apple lists the iPhone XR, iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. They are the earliest iPhone families named in the iOS 18 compatibility list.
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Apple Sports can show Live Activities on the iPhone Lock Screen without an Apple Watch. If you also want the live score and play update on an Apple Watch, Apple’s user guide specifies iOS 18 or later on the iPhone and watchOS 11 or later on the watch. An eligible iPhone alone does not establish Apple Watch compatibility.
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A practical decision table
| Your situation | Expected result | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| Supported model, iOS 18 or later, team selected | Live Activities should be available where the feature is offered | Check the Sports Live Activities setting and test during a live game |
| Supported model, iOS 17.2–17.x | Apple Sports may install, but Lock Screen Live Activities are not available | Update to iOS 18 or later |
| Model not on Apple’s iOS 18 list | The phone does not meet the published iOS requirement | Use an iPhone on the supported list |
| iOS 18 device, no selected teams | No team-specific Live Activity appears | Use Manage Live Activities in Apple Sports |
| Everything configured, feature absent by region | Availability may be limited despite compatible hardware | Check Apple Sports availability for your country or region |
How to verify the setup after an iOS update
Updating can leave an older app build or previous team preferences in place. A clean verification avoids guessing:
- Confirm the exact model in
Settings > General > About, then compare it with Apple’s iOS 18 list. - Confirm the installed iOS release in
Settings > General > Software Update. - Open Apple Sports and make sure the expected teams are still listed under
Manage Live Activities. - Review
Settings > Apps > Sports > Live Activitiesand set the desired update frequency. - Run the check during a live game so there is an active score or play update to publish.
If all five checks pass and the feature still does not appear, regional availability is the remaining documented variable to investigate. Apple does not publish a separate performance benchmark for different supported iPhone models; compatibility is based on the iOS 18 model list and the settings above.
Bottom line for choosing a compatible iPhone
For Apple Sports Live Activities, look for an iPhone XR or XS and newer, or an iPhone SE (2nd generation) or newer, and make sure it is running iOS 18 or later. The iOS 17.2 requirement only gets Apple Sports onto the phone. Lock Screen scores require the newer operating system, a supported region, selected teams and the Sports Live Activities setting enabled.
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