HBO has aligned with Apple to make its upcoming stand-alone premium streaming service, officially named HBO NOW, available exclusively via Apple TV.
Apple will give viewers the ability to enjoy HBO programming via HBO NOW. The service, to launch in April, will offer more than 2,000 titles online, including Game of Thrones, True Detective, Silicon Valley, Girls, Veep and The Leftovers, as well as classics like The Sopranos, Sex and the City, True Blood, The Wire and Deadwood.
HBO continues to be in discussions with its existing network of distributors and new digital partners to offer HBO NOW. At launch, HBO NOW will be available on iOS devices and on PCs.
Apple customers can subscribe using the HBO NOW app on their iPhone, iPad or iPod touch or directly on Apple TV for instant access. Users can purchase HBO NOW directly in-app for $14.99 a month. Subscribers will also be able to watch at HBONOW.com. HBO will offer a 30-day free trial period to new HBO NOW customers who sign up through Apple in April.
“HBO NOW is the next phase of innovation at HBO,” said Richard Plepler, the chairman and CEO of HBO. “With this new partnership, a natural evolution for the network, we have access to millions of Apple customers who are used to getting their favorite apps immediately. Now, they can do the same with an HBO subscription.”
“HBO NOW offers a new generation of HBO fans many of the best TV programs in the world without a cable or satellite subscription,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior VP of Internet software and services. “Now, with the same simplicity as buying an app, customers can subscribe to HBO NOW and instantly start viewing their favorite HBO programs as they air—this is huge.”
