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New Era in Broadcasting: iPhones to Capture MLB Game Action

iPhone cameras capturing a baseball game at Fenway Park

Boston, October 26, 2025

News Summary

The game between the Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox will be broadcast on Apple TV+, utilizing iPhone 17 Pro cameras for live coverage. This innovative approach will provide unique angles from Fenway Park, marking a significant step in sports broadcasting. Not only will game footage be captured, but behind-the-scenes moments will also be showcased through the smartphone technology. This event highlights the increasing role of consumer devices in major professional sports broadcasts.


Boston — The game between the Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox will be broadcast nationally starting at 7:10 p.m. ET for Apple TV+ subscribers. In a first for professional sports broadcasts, production teams will partially use smartphone cameras to capture live action and behind-the-scenes coverage at Fenway Park.

What viewers will see first

The broadcast will include footage from four iPhone 17 Pro cameras set up at Fenway Park in Boston. Live footage from the iPhone cameras will integrate into the Apple TV+ streaming presentation. There will be a special overlay displayed on-screen to identify footage captured by iPhones during the broadcast. Fans tuning in will see footage identified with a special overlay indicating it is filmed with an iPhone.

How the iPhones will be used

The iPhone 17 Pro setup includes a roaming RF camera for greater coverage and new angles of the game. The iPhones will capture gameplay footage from various angles, including the home dugout and the iconic Green Monster wall. The iPhone will capture not only gameplay but also batting practice, player introductions, dugout angles, and fan experiences. The iPhone’s smaller footprint is expected to enhance coverage with more unique camera angles.

Context and production background

This event marks the first professional live sporting event to be partially broadcast using iPhones. Apple has previously collaborated with MLB on innovations like drone shots and umpire cams. Apple conducted a test run of this new technology during a previous game featuring the Los Angeles Dodgers. It is not the first time a smartphone has been used for live sports broadcasts; a Samsung Galaxy S10 5G was used for an NBA summer league game in 2019.

Broadcast access and presentation

Viewers can access the game as part of their subscription to Apple TV+ without additional costs. The broadcast of this game marks the final “Friday Night Baseball” event of the season on Apple TV+. Live iPhone footage will appear as part of the Apple TV+ streaming presentation alongside traditional broadcast cameras.

Game importance and on-field developments

The Red Sox-Tigers game has major implications for the MLB playoffs, with both teams competing for playoff spots. The Red Sox clinched an American League wild-card playoff berth with a walk-off win against the Tigers. The Red Sox won the game with a score of 4-3, securing their first playoff appearance since 2021. Ceddanne Rafaela’s decisive triple led to the Red Sox’s winning run.

The Detroit Tigers are experiencing a historic late-season collapse despite starting the season with the best record in baseball. Tied atop the AL Central, the Detroit Tigers can still secure a playoff spot despite the loss. The competition between the Red Sox and Tigers is significant, as it affects their standings in the wild-card race.

Additional matchups and season notes

This game will feature other matchups, including the Tampa Bay Rays vs. the Toronto Blue Jays. The professional sports landscape may see more smartphones participating in broadcast technology in the future.

Why the change matters

Producers say the smaller size of smartphone cameras allows for placement in spaces traditional cameras cannot reach, increasing the range of angles and in-stadium context viewers receive. The roaming RF camera element is designed to bring more dynamic, mobile perspectives to the stream. The special overlay will help viewers distinguish iPhone-shot footage from conventional camera feeds.

Technical and historical notes

This arrangement follows past broadcast experiments that used different mobile devices. The use of four iPhone 17 Pro cameras at a single venue for live, nationally broadcasted professional baseball represents a notable step in integrating consumer devices into major live productions.


FAQ

When is the game and how can I watch?
The game between the Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox will be broadcast nationally starting at 7:10 p.m. ET for Apple TV+ subscribers.
How many iPhones will be used and where?
Four iPhone 17 Pro cameras will be set up at Fenway Park in Boston for the broadcast.
Will iPhone footage be clearly marked?
There will be a special overlay displayed on-screen to identify footage captured by iPhones during the broadcast.
What kinds of shots will the iPhones capture?
The iPhones will capture gameplay footage from various angles, including the home dugout and the iconic Green Monster wall.
Has this technology been tested before?
Apple conducted a test run of this new technology during a previous game featuring the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Is this the first time smartphones have been used in live sports broadcasts?
It is not the first time a smartphone has been used for live sports broadcasts; a Samsung Galaxy S10 5G was used for an NBA summer league game in 2019.
Does the iPhone footage stream as part of the main broadcast?
Live footage from the iPhone cameras will integrate into the Apple TV+ streaming presentation.
Does this broadcast affect playoff races?
The Red Sox-Tigers game has major implications for the MLB playoffs, with both teams competing for playoff spots.
What recent result affected playoff qualification?
The Red Sox clinched an American League wild-card playoff berth with a walk-off win against the Tigers.
What was the final score and who made the decisive play?
The Red Sox won the game with a score of 4-3, securing their first playoff appearance since 2021.
Who delivered the decisive hit?
Ceddanne Rafaela’s decisive triple led to the Red Sox’s winning run.
Can Detroit still make the playoffs?
Tied atop the AL Central, the Detroit Tigers can still secure a playoff spot despite the loss.
Will viewers pay extra to see this broadcast?
Viewers can access the game as part of their subscription to Apple TV+ without additional costs.

Quick reference table

Item Details
Date and time Game broadcast nationally starting at 7:10 p.m. ET
Teams Detroit Tigers vs. Boston Red Sox
Broadcast platform Apple TV+ (included with subscription)
Special camera setup Four iPhone 17 Pro cameras plus a roaming RF camera at Fenway Park in Boston
On-screen identification Special overlay will identify footage captured by iPhones
Key outcome The Red Sox won the game with a score of 4-3
Decisive play Ceddanne Rafaela’s decisive triple led to the Red Sox’s winning run
Playoff impact The Red Sox clinched an American League wild-card playoff berth with a walk-off win against the Tigers
Other matchups that night Tampa Bay Rays vs. the Toronto Blue Jays

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