HBO Max 'missed the mark' with update, restores native tvOS player

The HBO Max app on Apple TV 4K has been updated to revert to using Apple's tvOS API, accompanied with an apology to users.

When HBO Max replaced Apple's tvOS API with its own video playback system, users reported bugs, and Screentime described it as "horrifically bad." Now the company has reverted to using Apple's system, and also issued an apology.

We just released an update to our Apple TV app, restoring the native tvOS video playback experience you know and love, with more improvements to come. Ensuring HBO Max viewers have a quality experience is our top priority and we missed the mark here. Thank you for your patience.
— HBOMaxHelp (@HBOMaxHelp) June 9, 2021

HBO Max is not the only Apple TV app to use its own playback system instead of entirely relying on Apple's. Disney+ has also developed a system, and while more successful than HBO Max, it is why the app can't yet support the scrolling of the new Siri Remote.

Follow all the details of WWDC 2021 with the comprehensive AppleInsider coverage of the whole week-long event from June 7 through June 11, including details of all the new launches and updates.

Stay on top of all Apple news right from your HomePod. Say, "Hey, Siri, play AppleInsider," and you'll get latest AppleInsider Podcast. Or ask your HomePod mini for "AppleInsider Daily" instead and you'll hear a fast update direct from our news team. And, if you're interested in Apple-centric home automation, say "Hey, Siri, play HomeKit Insider," and you'll be listening to our newest specialized podcast in moments.

28 Comments

jimh2 8 Years · 670 comments

About 3 years ago

Why do companies think they can out do a provided API? The developers must be generating billable hours.

Mike Wuerthele 8 Years · 6906 comments

jimh2 said:

Why do companies think they can out do a provided API? The developers must be generating billable hours.

In the case of HBO, it looks like they wanted data about user behavior that the Apple player does not provide.

jcs2305 11 Years · 1342 comments

Mike Wuerthele said:

jimh2 said:

Why do companies think they can out do a provided API? The developers must be generating billable hours.

In the case of HBO, it looks like they wanted data about user behavior that the Apple player does not provide.

Right on time with the release of their add supported tier. Guess they wanted to be able to track what folks watch so they could send them the most appropriate ads on the cheaper service tier?

sdw2001 23 Years · 17460 comments

Mike Wuerthele said:

jimh2 said:

Why do companies think they can out do a provided API? The developers must be generating billable hours.

In the case of HBO, it looks like they wanted data about user behavior that the Apple player does not provide.

Yes, and going a step further, it seems to lend credence to the theory that this was simply a....well.....royal f*** up on their part. Kudos to them for realizing it, taking responsibility, then at least temporarily fixing it.

MplsP 8 Years · 4047 comments

Mike Wuerthele said:

jimh2 said:

Why do companies think they can out do a provided API? The developers must be generating billable hours.

In the case of HBO, it looks like they wanted data about user behavior that the Apple player does not provide.

And combine that with a general lack of understanding or appreciation by management of how difficult it is to design a good interface. A well designed interface seems obvious by its simplicity. But it’s only obvious because it was designed well. Apple has decades of experience in this. HBO does not.