Apple Redesigns Apple TV App Ahead of Apple TV+ Launch
Apple has launched a new version of the Apple TV app, bringing together the different ways to discover and watch shows, movies and more.
The new Apple TV app is available starting today in over 100 countries across iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and select Samsung smart TVs.
With the free iOS 12.3 and tvOS 12.3 software update, Apple's customers around the world can now subscribe to Apple TV channels within the Apple TV app — paying for the ones they want — and watch on demand directly in the app. In the US, Apple TV channels include popular services such as HBO, Starz, SHOWTIME, Smithsonian Channel, EPIX, Tastemade and new services like MTV Hits.
Apple's customers can subscribe to Apple TV channels within the Apple TV app in order to watch shows and episodes online or offline, and share subscriptions through Family Sharing. Through Family Sharing, up to six family members can share subscriptions to Apple TV channels using just their Apple ID and password.
Also starting today, users worldwide are offered personalized recommendations of shows and movies from more than 150 video apps and streaming services and over 100,000 iTunes movies and TV shows, including a large collection of 4K HDR titles available to browse, buy or rent — all within the new Apple TV app. The Watch Now section features Up Next, where users can quickly find and watch content with activity synced across devices, as well as explore curated collections based on understanding of users’ viewing interests.
The Apple TV app also features a new, dedicated Kids section, which is curated and showcases editorially handpicked shows and movies for kids of all ages, alongside the Sports section that makes it easy to find games and receive notifications about favorite teams and leagues. Additionally, users can find their purchased movies and shows from iTunes in the redesigned Library tab, now organized by Recently Added, Downloaded, Genres and more.
The -new Apple TV app is available today for iPhone, iPad and Apple TV customers with iOS 12.3 and tvOS 12.3, and will be available on Mac this fall.
In addition, starting today, the Apple TV app offering Apple TV channels and iTunes movies and TV shows will also be available on all 2019 Samsung smart TVs and select 2018 models.
Also starting today, Apple's customers with AirPlay 2-enabled Samsung smart TVs can play videos and other content from their iPhone, iPad or Mac directly to their smart TVs. Update to iOS 12.3 or macOS 10.14.5 is required in order to play or mirror to AirPlay 2-enabled smart TVs.
Eligible VIZIO, LG and Sony smart TVs will be able to enjoy AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support later this year.
And of course this fall, Apple TV+, Apple’s original video subscription service, will be available in the Apple TV app.