The Recent Apple TV Edition Shows Signs of Progress, Albeit With Hiccups
iOS 12.3's exciting feature is its offline movie and show access, but you'll have to pay Apple for this privilege. The update was released yesterday, and it's a game-changer for frequent travelers or subway commuters who often lose internet access.
The new feature function through Apple's TV app, specifically the Channels portion. Apple aims to provide the best way to view content from providers like HBO, Showtime, and Starz. Typically, you subscribe to these channels through your cable provider, a streaming service like PS Vue, or directly. However, the content often relies on the provider's server, leading to issues when the server gets overwhelmed, like during the final season of Game of Thrones.
With Channels, the content is streamed directly from Apple's servers, potentially resulting in a cleaner and more stable source. Plus, subscribing through Channels grants offline access to content, even if the provider doesn't offer it in their app-like HBO.
However, there's a catch-you must subscribe to the services through Apple to fully utilize this feature. Former Gizmodo reporter Christina Warren pointed out this issue on Twitter. If you subscribe to HBO via PS Vue or your local cable provider, you won't get offline viewing or content via Apple's dedicated servers.
When we asked Apple about this, they referred us to HBO for comment. HBO didn't respond immediately. It seems that Apple's Channels feature is an exclusive, as Apple does all the work, and if you want the purportedly highest-quality offline version of a service like HBO, you have to subscribe through Apple.
Apple has always provided a premium experience, whether it's watching TV, using a phone, or doing computer tasks. But that comes at a cost. If you want the best cord-cutting version of a service like HBO, Apple's got it-but only if you're willing to pay.
Now, by using the download button, you can download shows or movies you want to watch offline, which will be available on the Downloads tab. This tab will only display your downloaded content when your device is offline, making it simple to identify content ready for offline viewing.
To enjoy this feature, you must:
- Subscribe to Apple TV Channels, either directly or through the app.
- Download content by tapping the download button next to the play button for any show or movie you want to watch offline.
- Navigate to the Downloads tab on the menu bar at the bottom of the app to view and watch your downloaded content.
With Apple's offline feature, you can enjoy your favorite shows and movies from providers like HBO and Showtime, even without an internet connection.
- The offline movie and show access in iOS 12.3 is facilitated through Apple's TV app, specifically the Channels section.
- Apple's Channels feature allows subscribers to stream content directly from its servers, which could potentially provide a cleaner and more stable source.
- Users can download shows or movies they want to watch offline using the download button in the TV app, and this content will be available in the Downloads tab on their device.
- However, to fully utilize the offline feature for channels like HBO, users must subscribe to the services directly through Apple.
