Support for the HBO NOW app has been removed from the second and third-generation Apple TV models over the weekend.
People who own one of these older-generation media boxes from Apple can continue enjoying HBO content on their TV through an iPhone and iPad via AirPlay, a non-Apple device connected to a TV via an HDMI cable or a media streamer like the Roku, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, etc.
The broadcaster’s video-streaming software continues to be available on the fourth and fifth-generation Apple TV models, dubbed Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K.
HBO on April 8 said that the second and third-generation Apple TVs would be dropping support for the HBO GO and NOW services on April 30. Considering the aforementioned Apple TV models were released in 2010 and 2012, respectively, it’s not surprising they’re losing support.
But two days layer HBO unexpectedly backtracked, saying it made the decision to extend support for GO and NOW subscribers with the second and third-generation Apple TV models after all. Although NOW subscribers on these Apple TV models are now seeing removal of support for the older Apple TVs, GO customers will get to enjoy support for a few more months, after which the HBO GO icon will disappear from their Apple TV Home screens.
As you may have heard, WarnerMedia is launching a new video-streaming service dubbed HBO Max on May 27 with 10,000 hours of content — and the Apple TV will be supported at launch. People who are already subscribed to HBO NOW through the Apple TV Channels feature will gain access to HBO Max for the same monthly fee ($15 per month).
All they need to do starting May 27 is download the HBO Max app or visit HBOmax.com and sign in with their Apple ID. The app will be available in the App Store across the iOS, iPadOS and tvOS platforms, as well as on “certain smart TVs and streaming devices”.
All of the HBO NOW content will be included in your Max subscription, and then some more. For instance, HBO Max includes new hits, classic shows like “Friends” and Max originals such as “Love Life” starring Anna Kendrick. Again, existing subscribers can keep watching all of HBO’s original series and blockbuster movies in the TV app.