HBO to End Partnership With Apple TV on July 22; Contents To Be Transferred to HBO Max Streaming Service

Sophie Webster, Tech Times 22 July 2021, 04:07 pm

HBO is cutting ties with Apple TV as the media company wants to focus on its own streaming service, HBO Max. The HBO Max streaming service was launched earlier this year, prompting HBO to stop participating in Apple TV Channels.

New subscribers could no longer sign up for HBO through the Apple TV Channels, but those with an existing subscription can continue using the service until July 22.

HBO Discontinues Deal with Apple TV

Apple TV Channels are streaming services that can be purchased and streamed directly in the TV app.

The Apple TV app allows you to access your favorite shows and movies in one place.

Apple handles video hosting and the billing of the service. Subscribers can watch the channels through their TV app on iPad, iPhone, Apple TV, or Mac instead of a third-party application.

HBO, on the other hand, had integrated with Apple TV Channels since 2016.

In 2020, the company decided to create and launch its own streaming service called HBO Max, according to MacRumors.

Also Read: Should You Watch Apple TV Channels Or Choose Amazon Prime Videos Instead? This Will Help You Decide!

When HBO Max was introduced, it featured exclusive films and TV shows that can't be streamed on Apple TV Channels, like the movie "Wonder Woman 1984," in an attempt to rake in subscribers.

Last year, Apple TV Channels subscribers could still access the HBO channel but could not stream Max-exclusive content, according to Apple Insider.

Those who had subscribed to HBO through Apple TV Channels could access some HBO content through the TV app, but they also had to sign in separately to the HBO Max app to access all contents via their Apple ID account. The whole process did not cost extra.

However, it was announced that starting July 22 that everything will change.

HBO will pull out all of its contents on the TV app, and to continuously enjoy the contents, users will have to sign up for HBO Max for $10 a month for ad-supported service or $15 a month for ad-free service.

Subscribers can opt for an annual subscription of $150 for ad-free service, or $100 a year for ad-supported service, according to Business Insider.

Paying Extra for HBO Content

Users on Reddit noted that a notification pops up on their Apple TV app when they select the HBO channel. The notification reads that subscribers can continue enjoying HBO content through the HBO Max streaming service.

Subscribers also noted that the Apple TV app offers live HBO feed, a feature that is not yet available for HBO Max users.

Another issue is that HBO removed the ability to sign in using an Apple ID, affecting those who have already paid for access through their Apple accounts.

The Reddit users stated that they no longer see a "Sign in with your Apple ID" option under the "Sign in with a provider" button on the HBO website.

Luckily, there is still a workaround for this. Users can sign up for a new HBO Max account using the email linked to their Apple ID. Just reset the password, and log in to the new account to access your account settings and watch list.

Apple TV has not released an official statement about HBO's decision.