How to get HBO Max on Apple TV

HBO Max on Apple TV
(Image credit: Future)

For those looking to install HBO Max on Apple TV, you'll be happy to hear the streaming service has been available on the media streamer since launch. Bringing all your favorite VOD platforms on one clean and intuitive interface, Apple TV allows you to stream HBO's ground-breaking TV series and exceptional movies straight from the WarnerMedia's library to your TV screen, all at the touch of a button.

Stuck? Below we'll explain how to install HBO Max on Apple TV, as well as what you can watch on one of the best streaming services, as well as other platforms available download onto your Apple TV device.

What is Apple TV?

Now, if you've come to this article, we suspect you're fully in the know, but just to clear any confusion, Apple TV is not to be confused with Apple TV Plus. Apple TV isn’t a “TV” at all, but a set-top-box that unites heaps of free and paid-for streaming apps and cable channels in one place. 

However, you do need to connect it to a TV – ideally a HD model – with a HDMI cable. It’s currently around $179 for the latest Apple TV 4K, or $149 for an Apple TV HD.

How to install HBO Max on Apple TV

The below instructions will help you download HBO Max on Apple TV:

  • Open the App Store on Apple TV
  • Search for HBO Max
  • Select HBO Max and pick the ‘Download’ option
  • When installed, open HBO Max.
  • If you’re already a HBO Max customer, sign in with your login details 
  • Alternatively, sign up directly through the HBO Max website

Existing HBO or HBO Now subscribers can also access the HBO Max app, at no additional charge.

HBO Max on Apple TV

(Image credit: HBO Max)

What can I watch on HBO Max with Apple TV?

For a middle-ground HBO Max price, get over 13,000 hours of premium content here, not forgetting the HBO programming you know and love – Game of Thrones, The Sopranos – and equally excellent shows you might be less familiar with like The Flight Attendant, The Undoing, Succession, and Euphoria.

It’s also the exclusive home of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, every season of 90s sitcom Friends, surreal comedy Rick and Morty, and the award-winning anime of Studio Ghibli – 21 breath-taking movies. There’s a growing slate of Max Originals, for example, like Insecure, The Sex Lives of College Girls, and Starstruck.

Not yet got HBO Max? Head to the website to sign up now

What other streaming services are available on Apple TV?

In addition to getting HBO Max, you can source content on Apple TV from major streaming services by downloading apps for Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video and Hulu, in addition to Peacock – which has a free, ad-supported tier – and of course Apple TV Plus (which, with an Apple TV purchase, is totally free for 12 months).

There’s a great selection of a la carte Channels too. Dozens of them are free to stream, like PBS, Sky News, Crackle and CBS Sports, while others – premium networks like Showtime and AMC Plus – cost a monthly fee. Apple TV brings together all your favorite on-demand services and cable channels, plus kid’s entertainment, sports, music, and the ability to rent or download blockbuster movies through iTunes. Add to that all the exceptional HBO Max originals and exclusives from $9.99 a month With Ads of $14.99 a month Ad-Free and with access to WarnerBros new releases.

Disney+

(Image credit: Disney Plus)

What other devices can I watch HBO Max on?

While there were some glaring omissions initially, in November we got HBO Max on Fire Stick, and shortly after, HBO Max on Roku. That means HBO Max is now available on pretty much every major device. That includes – but isn’t limited to – Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Chromebooks, Chromecast, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X & S, PC and Mac computers, and Android phones. Check here for a full list of compatible devices.

Daniel Pateman

Daniel Pateman is a freelance writer, producing articles across the cultural spectrum for magazines like Aesthetica, Photomonitor, The Brooklyn Rail and This is Tomorrow. He also provides text-writing services to individual curators and artists worldwide, and has had work published internationally. His favourite film genre is horror (bring on Scream 5!) and he never tires of listening to Absolute 80s on the radio.