With the release of HBO Max, users can get a huge boost in content variety. Whether a user is looking to rewatch “Friends” or their favorite film, they’ll get all that and more with HBO Max.
Prior to the release of the app, users accessed HBO content through other streaming services. Sometimes that meant using a cable subscription to get access to HBO Go, or users could access it through paying an additional fee on their Hulu or YouTube TV accounts.
But now that HBO Max is offering a new service with additional content, will these users also get access to HBO Max content automatically? Here’s who HBO Max will be available for as of launch day:
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For anybody who is already paying for HBO Now through Google or Apple’s store, they will automatically unlock an upgrade to HBO Max, with the Max app replacing the HBO Now app.
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Users who get HBO through AT&T (whether it’s DirecTV, U-Verse, AT&T TV Now, AT&T TV or AT&T cellular who add HBO as part of said bundle) will automatically receive an upgrade.
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Charter and its Spectrum services will provide the upgrade to users.
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YouTube TV subscribers
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Android users who paid for HBO Now through Google’s Android Store.
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Apple Users who Paid for HBO Now through Apple.
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Hulu subscribers
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Altice USA and its Optimum and Suddenlink services
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Verizon and its Fios services
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Cox Communications subscribers
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Comcast’s Xfinity X1 and Flex customers
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The NCTC group of independent cable and broadband companies — that includes WOW!, Atlantic Broadband, RCN, Grande Communications & Wave, MCTV and others.
It is currently unclear if these same deals will be eventually extended to Dish Network subscribers. Also, two notable missing supported platforms are Amazon Fire TV and Roku. The two platforms make up nearly 80 million active streamers, which will leave many in a lurch.
If you’re unsure how to determine who is providing you your HBO services:
1. Sign into your HBO Now account.
2. Access the profile function. This will either be in the upper-right corner of your computer interface, or in Profile > Settlings on your mobile device.
3. Access Billing Information, which will list who/how your bill is paid.
If users wish to swap from HBO Now to HBO Max, they should receive an automatic software update the next time they log in. After asking the user to re-affirm the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, they will then be given the option to “Access All of HBO Max.” Upon agreeing to said service, the entirety of the service will be available to you.