Don't expect to catch up on your favorite HBO series via Apple TV Channels anymore. Following Wednesday's launch of streaming service HBO Max, the premium platform pulled its content from Cupertino's branded hub.
Launched last year, TV Channels bundles popular networks—Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Showtime, Starz, CBS All Access, etc.—into one app, so you can seamlessly switch between The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Normal People, and Picard. As 9To5Mac explains, the HBO channel doesn't form part of that line-up anymore, unless you're already subscribing to it. In that case, the channel will remain available, but HBO Max content won't appear there.
Ideally, HBO wants users to access the new Max service through the official app. How you get the app also depends on whether you're an existing subscriber or not. The HBO channel now includes a link to the HBO Max app download making it simple to grab. However, if you don't have access to the channel already, then it's a case of downloading the HBO Max app separately and subscribing through the app using Apple in-app purchases.
"We are thrilled that HBO Max is widely available at launch to customers through a variety of devices and distribution partners as well as HBOMax.com," a WarnerMedia spokesperson told Engadget this week. "Our goal is to make HBO Max available on every platform possible to as many viewers globally as possible so they can enjoy beloved shows from HBO, the Warner Bros. movie and TV library, and a diversity of hit programming exclusive to HBO Max."
Apple is doing just fine without HBO, having recently secured another major film debut, this time from Hollywood elite Martin Scorsese. Unlike Tom Hanks' WWII naval drama Greyhound, delayed by COVID-19 and snatched up by Apple TV+, Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon—starring regulars Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro—will be distributed theatrically worldwide, Deadline reported.
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