Apple Watch Changes NHL Forever—Real-Time Alerts Now on the Ice

Apple is expanding its influence in the sports world by integrating its Apple Watch into NHL officiating, making it easier for referees to stay focused on the game. The company announced that throughout the current season, NHL referees have been using Apple Watches equipped with a custom app developed by Presidio. This technology provides real-time game information, including the official game clock, countdowns to the end of each period, and alerts for when a player is leaving the penalty box.

One of the most important aspects of this system is its use of haptic feedback—vibrations on the wrist—to notify referees about key moments, allowing them to keep their eyes on the ice rather than checking the scoreboard. This eliminates the need for refs to look up and search for information during fast-moving plays, helping them make quicker and more accurate decisions. Each referee is issued an NHL-approved Apple Watch specifically for game use, stripped of unnecessary apps and notifications to ensure there are no distractions.

Apple’s partnership with the NHL is part of a larger trend of sports leagues incorporating advanced technology to enhance performance and decision-making. In recent years, Apple has worked with the NHL to provide iPads on team benches, allowing coaches and players to analyze plays and adjust their strategies mid-game. Major League Baseball also uses iPads in dugouts to provide real-time player stats, and the World Surf League equips surfers with Apple Watches for wave conditions and scoring updates.

Beyond helping athletes and referees, Apple’s involvement in sports also serves as a strategic business move. By placing its products in high-pressure, professional sports environments, Apple highlights the durability and reliability of its devices to a global audience. Fans watching NHL games can see firsthand how the Apple Watch is being used in real-time, reinforcing the product’s capabilities. The company has taken a similar approach in other sports, such as its partnership with Major League Soccer and Major League Baseball to stream games, as well as its sponsorship of the Super Bowl Halftime Show.

Apple isn’t alone in bringing technology into sports. Microsoft has been a key player, supplying NFL teams with Surface tablets for use on the sidelines. While these integrations help improve the game experience, they also fuel competition between tech giants looking to dominate the sports industry.

Apple’s partnership with the NHL isn’t just about introducing new tech—it’s about making officiating more efficient and keeping referees focused on the game. With tools like the Apple Watch providing real-time updates and alerts, officials can make quicker, more accurate decisions, showing how technology is becoming a bigger part of professional sports.

Also Read: Apple iPhone 16e Launched: Affordable Price, Powerful Features