Mikey Campbell
Hours after HBO launched its long-awaited HBO Max app on iOS, Apple TV and other platforms on Wednesday, the AT&T-owned company has pulled streaming integration with Apple TV Channels.
One of the first major cable networks to sign on to Apple TV Channels, HBO is no longer available to new users accessing Apple's collaborative streaming hub.
Existing customers who signed up for HBO's streaming service through Apple TV Channels will retain access to the provider's content through the TV app. The situation could change in the coming months as HBO pares down its various streaming offerings in a move to consolidate and push users to HBO Max. Users are already being herded toward Max, as advertisements for the new service are plastered across the HBO section of Channels.
It should be noted that Channels programming does not include new shows, movies and specials created or purchased for HBO Max. For example, users attempting to access Looney Tunes cartoons in Channels are directed to download HBO Max via the App Store. Those who subscribed through Channels can, however, use their Apple ID to authenticate the new, and more expansive, HBO Max app which debuted today.
Apple TV Channels was introduced alongside iOS 12.3 in 2019 as an alternative to dedicated streaming apps. Integration with Channels allows users sign up and subscribe to a variety of premium television and streaming services in one place, thereby making standalone apps unnecessary.
HBO was among the first batch of paid cable providers to offer support for Channels when the system debuted. At the time, it was the only place HBO users were able to download content for offline viewing.
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10 Comments
Pretty shitty move. I was actually expecting they were going to upgrade the channel to Max over Disney and Peacock (which at this point I don’t expect them to do a TV channel either). Give users the option to keep things within the TV App or not. Lame.
It's possible that Channels/TV app integration will return at some point, once the transition is fully complete, I would think. The TV app has done a lot for HBO in terms of making potential subscribers more aware of what's on there in the past, so there's some reason to think that this might be temporary as they change horses.
Glad I just finished with my annual 1 month HBO subscription. Awful move AT&T. Good luck with new subscribers.
I’m really confused at this point. My roommate is paying a premium for cable service and these channels are now serving up their shit shows and are asking viewers to pay for their good content. Stars, Showtime, are a couple that have removed their content. Now HBO. It’s disappointing to say the least.