Apple launches updated TV app with major premium channel subscriptions
For a lot of people, the decision to cut the cord comes down to rising prices for cable and satellite subscriptions along with all those additional fees. Not to mention the freedom of streaming that gives you the ability to watch your favorite shows and movies wherever you are and on whatever device you choose.
Those choices used to be simple, with on-demand options like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video leading the pack. Now add the growing number of major streaming services, standalone channels and live TV streaming available and to say it’s pretty crowded is an understatement.
That’s not stopping Apple from showing up to yet another party, and once again fashionably late. Now it’s hoping you make the switch to its take on streaming, by kicking it off with an updated app and all-new premium subscription options.
Apple’s big bet on streaming
We knew it was coming when finally back in March, Apple officially announced its new streaming service called AppleTV+. Debuting this fall, big names in entertainment like Steven Spielberg, J.J. Abrams and Oprah Winfrey are set to headline new shows and movies exclusively on Apple’s service.
Sure, it’s been done before but Apple’s big push has always been to take what’s already out there and make it better – with mixed results. Remember the first version of Apple Maps, for instance?
Apple also debuted its subscription news service (Apple News+), upcoming video game subscription platform and an all-new credit card (Apple Card) at the March event. That’s not surprising because as iPhone sales continue to slow, Apple is looking at services to be its next big moneymaker – not hardware. Streaming is a big part of that bet.
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In addition to original programming, it’s also adding a whole host of other premium channels you can tack on. And that’s what all the big players such as Hulu, Roku and Prime Video already try to entice you with: subscribe to their unique service, then add premium channels like HBO and Starz so you only have one all-inclusive bill to pay. One less thing to keep track of, right?
The Apple streaming rollout begins
That brings us to this week. On Monday, May 13, Apple launched its revamped TV app that opens the door to more than 150 video apps in about 100 countries. That includes standalone subscription channels, along with full-on services like Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.
Off the bat, you’ll see subscription options like HBO, Starz, Showtime, the Smithsonian Channel, Epix and new services like MTV Hits, according to Apple. We’ve got the full list of apps available in the U.S. near the end of this report.
Consider this phase one in its plan because this is not Apple TV+. That service and the original programming that comes along with it is still set to debut this fall.
How to get the new Apple TV app and what it can do
The new Apple TV app is available for iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and select Samsung smart TVs. For your Apple devices, you’ll need to update your iOS or tvOS to software version 12.3 in order to get the updated TV app.
Like similar services, it’ll provide personalized recommendations from various video apps and all the content already available through iTunes. Up to six family members will be able to share subscriptions to various Apple TV channels through Family Sharing. There’s also a dedicated section for kids.
One standout feature is that you can download movies and shows for offline viewing. Not a groundbreaking feature in itself, but it’s a pretty big deal for one premium service in particular.
If you subscribe to HBO by itself or as an add-on through another streaming service, you might already be aware you’re not allowed to download any shows or movies for offline viewing. But if you subscribe to HBO through Apple, now you can.
As far as Apple TV+ goes, we know it’s coming this fall and have an idea about some of its original programming. Other details, including how much the new video subscription service will cost, hasn’t yet been released.
Until then, you’ll have to settle for other video apps, which you can subscribe to directly through the app. Below is a full list of U.S. options, but you can click or tap here to learn more about what’s available in other countries and more device specifics.
- A&E
- ABC
- Acorn TV
- AHC GO
- Amazon Prime Video
- AMC
- Animal Planet GO
- Apple Music
- BBC America
- BET
- Bloomberg*
- Boomerang
- Bravo Now
- BritBox
- Cartoon Network
- CBS All Access
- CBS News*
- Cheddar*
- Classix
- CNBC*
- CNN
- Comedy Central
- Cooking Channel
- Crunchyroll
- CuriosityStream
- CW Seed
- DAZN
- DC Universe
- Destination America GO
- DIRECTV NOW
- Discovery GO
- Discovery Life GO
- DIY Network
- E! Now
- Epix
- Eros Now
- ESPN
- FilmRise
- Food Network
- Fox News*
- FOX NOW
- Freeform
- fuboTV
- FXNOW
- Garage
- Hallmark Channel Everywhere
- HBO GO
- HBO NOW
- HGTV
- HISTORY
- HISTORY Vault
- Hopster
- Hulu
- Investigation Discovery GO
- Lifetime
- Lifetime Movie Club
- March Madness Live
- MLB At Bat
- MotorTrend
- MTV
- MUBI
- MUTV
- NBA
- NBC
- NBC Sports
- OWN
- Oxygen
- Pantaya
- Paramount Network
- PBS KIDS
- PBS Video
- PlayKids
- PlayStation Vue
- Pluto TV
- Red Bull TV
- Science Channel GO
- SHOWTIME
- SHOWTIME ANYTIME
- Shudder
- Smithsonian
- Spectrum TV
- STARZ
- Sundance Now
- SYFY
- TBS
- Telemundo Deportes
- Telemundo Now
- The CW
- TLC GO
- TNT
- Travel Channel
- Tubi TV
- USA Network
- Velocity GO
- VH1
- Viki
*Live channels only
Tags: Amazon, Apple, Apple iPhone, streaming services
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