Apple Inc. announced on October 17, 2025, that it will become the exclusive U.S. broadcast partner for Formula 1 beginning in 2026, marking its first major move into live motorsport broadcasting and significantly expanding its sports content portfolio[1]. The five-year deal means Apple TV will stream every Formula 1 race, practice, qualifying, and Sprint session in the U.S., with some events available for free and full coverage for premium subscribers—a strategic play to attract younger, more diverse audiences as F1's U.S. fanbase grows rapidly[1]. Today, AAPL shares are up 2.34% to $253.25, outperforming the broader market (S&P 500 +0.62%, NASDAQ +0.67%), likely buoyed by this high-profile partnership announcement, which follows the recent box office success of Apple's F1-themed film and signals Apple's deepening investment in live sports and entertainment[1]. While broader market gains and sector momentum may have contributed, the exclusive F1 deal appears to be the primary company-specific catalyst for today's notable share price increase.