6 Changes All Users Should Be Aware Of

July 12, 2024

You may have noticed the HBO Max interface looks a little different now. That's because Warner Media rolled out a new UI for the HBO Max app on August 8, 2022. The changes are designed to address some stability issues people have experienced while using HBO Max, while also improving the app in noticeable ways.

An Overview of the New HBO Max UI

Warner Media announced the new HBO Max UI in a press release. According to Kamya Keshmiri, the SVP of Product Design, Warner Bros. Discovery Streaming:

"The changes give our users more of the features they care most about, along with improved navigation and a more immersive canvas for storytelling, helping them click play on their favorite content faster and with less friction."

Although the update happened on the heels of Warner Media’s announced plans to merge the HBO Max and Discovery+ platforms in summer 2023, it had been in the planning for a while. According to Variety, the team originally decided to build HBO Max quickly using the existing code from the HBO Go and HBO Now apps with plans to re-platform later. The new updates address some previous UI issues.

In case you haven't seen them yet, here is a rundown of the biggest UI changes and how they may affect how you use HBO Max.

1. An Expansion of the Shuffle Button

If you are not sure what you want to watch, HBO Max's Shuffle button is here to help. Previously, Warner Media added a Shuffle button to the app for desktop and smart TVs. That feature is now available on mobile devices as well. The Shuffle button doesn’t apply to the entire catalog, just selected popular shows, such as Sesame Street or Friends. When you choose “shuffle,” the app will choose a random episode for you to stream.

2. SharePlay Support for iOS Users in the US

Just because you are far away from each other doesn’t mean you can’t watch your favorite show together with friends or family. Using SharePlay, you can now stream a program in tandem with a friend if you both watch HBO Max using an iPhone or iPad within the United States. This feature requires both users to subscribe to an ad-free plan and use an iOS device. Simply initiate a FaceTime conversation, then open HBO Max and start streaming a show. Next, select the option, “SharePlay.”

3. Downloads Get a New Home

If you download movies or shows to watch offline, you may have an easier time finding them from now on. Previously, you had to dig a little to find the downloads, but now they have a dedicated page linked directly from the app’s home menu.

4. More Viewing Options for Tablet Users

Multi-taskers can enjoy the split screen feature where the app can share the screen with another app on devices that support this function. This update may benefit you if you are someone who likes to answer emails or take notes while watching your favorite cooking show or documentary.

The tablet apps now support both portrait and landscape orientations, giving you a little more control over your viewing experience.

5. Design and App Stability Updates

You may notice a subtly different look as well as changes to the navigational menu depending on your device. For example, HBO Max’s “Content Hubs” now have a higher contrast appearance with a unique background for each hub. The update also includes improvements to HBO Max’s stability on Chromecast.

Accessibility features like screen reader support also received updates to improve functionality and make navigation easier. To access the screen reader for audio descriptions, open the player menu and choose “audio description.” As of August 2022, an assortment of movies and shows have audio descriptions available, but not the entire catalog.

What These UI Updates Mean for HBO Max Subscribers

Prior to the current UI update, the HBO Max mobile apps were built on legacy platforms that didn’t have the easy navigation flow you see with competing streaming platforms. The new update will make it a little easier to find your way around, especially if you use certain features like the ability to download videos to watch offline.

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