Gene
Member
HBO has launched a new extended streaming service HBO Max, which is an upgrade of the existing HBO Now service. The HBO Max app is available on all Apple devices, but it comes at a price: HBO's relationship with Apple TV channels is ending.
HBO had been removed from the Apple TV app since last Wednesday. If the user is a current HBO subscriber, the channel will be available for the time being, but will not be updated to Max exclusive content.
If users subscribe to HBO through Apple TV Channels, they can download HBO Max and access all content for free through their Apple ID account. If the user is returning to HBO Max, he/she can subscribe within the HBO Max app by purchasing within the app.
The key advantage of Apple TV Channels over integrated third-party app integration is that the TV app can play the content directly without having to transfer the user to another company's app interface. Apple TV Channels' content can be downloaded the same way you download Apple TV+ or iTunes content, and can easily share subscriptions with up to six family members through home sharing.
Unfortunately, the Internet's interest in Apple TV Channels seems to be declining. None of the major streaming services that are about to debut have agreed to Channel, such as Disney+, HBO Max and NBC's Peacock. And Netflix, the biggest video-streaming service, has shied away from any meaningful integration of TV apps.
As users, the best experience is when the company agrees to be fully integrated into a user interface. But content companies fear losing customer relationships by getting involved with things like Channels. With specialized apps, they can maintain customer visits and differentiate themselves through new features and different types of content.
HBO had been removed from the Apple TV app since last Wednesday. If the user is a current HBO subscriber, the channel will be available for the time being, but will not be updated to Max exclusive content.
If users subscribe to HBO through Apple TV Channels, they can download HBO Max and access all content for free through their Apple ID account. If the user is returning to HBO Max, he/she can subscribe within the HBO Max app by purchasing within the app.
The key advantage of Apple TV Channels over integrated third-party app integration is that the TV app can play the content directly without having to transfer the user to another company's app interface. Apple TV Channels' content can be downloaded the same way you download Apple TV+ or iTunes content, and can easily share subscriptions with up to six family members through home sharing.
Unfortunately, the Internet's interest in Apple TV Channels seems to be declining. None of the major streaming services that are about to debut have agreed to Channel, such as Disney+, HBO Max and NBC's Peacock. And Netflix, the biggest video-streaming service, has shied away from any meaningful integration of TV apps.
As users, the best experience is when the company agrees to be fully integrated into a user interface. But content companies fear losing customer relationships by getting involved with things like Channels. With specialized apps, they can maintain customer visits and differentiate themselves through new features and different types of content.
