Phones Canada Team:
In a surprising turn of events, HBO Max is shaking things up for its longtime subscribers. As many of you know, HBO Max rebranded as MAX earlier this year in the US, and there are plans to extend this transformation globally by 2024. However, loyal subscribers to HBO Max are in for an unexpected disappointment.
Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of MAX, had promised its existing ad-free plan subscribers that they would retain certain benefits, including 4K streaming, for at least six months without any additional charges. As the six-month mark approaches, it seems like the company intends to honor its commitment.
As reported by The Verge, MAX has started reaching out to affected customers, notifying them that although their monthly price of $15.99 will remain the same, they will no longer have access to a few perks starting from December 5th. Specifically, legacy customers will lose the option for 4K and HDR streaming, being limited to HD quality, which is similar to what new signups for MAX’s ad-free tier receive. To continue enjoying 4K playback, these customers will have to upgrade to the “ultimate” plan, which is priced at $19.99 per month.
Furthermore, legacy ad-free subscribers also benefitted from an extra concurrent stream, allowing them three streams in total compared to the standard two for new $15.99 plan subscribers. Unfortunately, this additional perk will also come to an end with the December billing cycle.
HBO has a rich history spanning over 51 years, and it has undergone several transformations over time. From initially serving a limited audience in New York City, HBO quickly became the first American network to deliver its programming nationwide through satellite technology. The 1990s marked a significant milestone for HBO, with its groundbreaking dramatic series making a lasting impact on the television landscape. In 2020, HBO entered the streaming wars with the launch of HBO Max. This year, Warner Bros. Discovery introduced a rebranded version of HBO Max called Max, which not only offers the same content but also comes with additional features like an improved user interface and expanded device support.
We understand that this news might be disappointing for our readers who are HBO Max subscribers. While we can’t influence the decisions made by MAX, we will continue to keep you updated on any further developments or changes.
