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The New Apple TV App Has Arrived

Apple expects to launch its original video subscription service, Apple TV+, inside the app this fall. For now, you can subscribe to channels like HBO and purchase content from iTunes.

Angela Moscaritolo
 & Angela Moscaritolo Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

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iOS and Apple TV users take note, Apple on Monday launched a new Apple TV app. Apple expects to launch its original video subscription service, Apple TV+, inside the app this fall.

For now, "customers around the world can … subscribe to Apple TV channels within the Apple TV app — paying for only the ones they want — and watch on demand directly in the app," Apple wrote in a news release.

In the US, its roster of paid channels includes HBO, Starz, Showtime, Smithsonian Channel, Epix, Tastemade, and MTV Hits. Apple said it plans to add more channels to the app "over time."

The app lets you stream content from your paid channels, or download it to your device to watch offline. This feature makes the new Apple TV app "the first and only place where HBO subscribers can download movies and shows such as Game of Thrones for offline viewing," Apple said.

Up to six family members can share subscriptions to Apple TV channels via the company's Family Sharing feature.

With Game of Thrones ending this Sunday, you might be on the hunt for something new to watch. The new Apple TV app may be able to help. It offers personalized recommendations from a library of around 150 video apps and streaming services and 100,000 iTunes movies and TV shows, Apple said.

Visit the Watch Now section to quickly access shows and movies you're binging and explore "expertly curated collections based on a secure and comprehensive understanding of [your] viewing interests," the Cupertino tech giant said. Or, hop over to the newly-reorganized Library tab to access movies and shows you've purchased from iTunes.

There's also a Kids section featuring "editorially handpicked" shows and movies suitable for children of all ages and a Sports section where you can watch games.

The app may be especially nice for those with a 4K TV. Apple said it includes "the largest collection of 4K HDR titles available to browse, buy, or rent."

The new Apple TV app is arriving now on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV devices in more than 100 countries as part of iOS 12.3 and tvOS 12.3; it will be available on Mac this fall. It's also available on all 2019 Samsung smart TVs and some 2018 models.

Meanwhile, iOS 12.3 and macOS 10.14.5, also released on Monday, also lets you easily beam content from your iPhone, iPad or Mac to AirPlay 2-enabled Samsung smart TVs. Apple said that AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support will arrive on some Vizio, LG, and Sony smart TVs later this year.

About Our Expert

Angela Moscaritolo

Angela Moscaritolo

Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

My Experience

I'm PCMag's managing editor for consumer electronics, overseeing an experienced team of analysts covering smart home, home entertainment, wearables, fitness and health tech, and various other product categories. I have been with PCMag for more than 10 years, and in that time have written more than 6,000 articles and reviews for the site. I previously served as an analyst focused on smart home and wearable devices, and before that I was a reporter covering consumer tech news. I'm also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade. 

Prior to joining PCMag, I was a reporter for SC Magazine, focusing on hackers and computer security. I earned a BS in journalism from West Virginia University, and started my career writing for newspapers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

The Technology I Use

My little Florida beach bungalow is brimming with smart home tech. I have a smart speaker or display in every room, allowing me to control other connected devices by voice. The Nest Hub on my bedside table lets me set wake-up alarms, control my smart light bulbs, and set the temperature on my smart thermostat. I use the Amazon Echo Show 8 on my kitchen counter to browse recipes, reorder protein powder, check the weather, and watch the news while I do dishes. 

Because I suffer from allergies, air purifiers are essential. My favorite model is the Dyson Purifier Cool TP07, which doubles as a fan and continuously sends indoor pollution data to its companion mobile app. 

My pitbull Bradley sheds, so a good robot vacuum is a must. I currently use a premium Ecovacs Deebot that can both vacuum and mop, empty its own dustbin, and wash its own mop cloth. 

For fitness, I like to mix up my routine with cycling, indoor rowing, running, and strength training in addition to yoga. I take classes on the Tonal 2 smart strength training machine, I row indoors on an Aviron machine, and track my beach runs with an Apple Watch while listening to music on my Apple AirPods Pro. On the weekends, I love riding e-bikes like the rugged, beach-friendly Aventon Aventure for fun and fitness.

My job involves a lot of virtual meetings, so a quality webcam, microphone, and ring light are important. I use the Jabra PanaCast 20 webcam, the Elgato Wave: 3 microphone, and a Yesker tripod ring light. 

As for my preferred phone platform, I'm an iPhone person, but I've also extensively used Android for product testing.

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