Apple has relaunched its TV app, bringing together popular streaming services, subscription channels and iTunes downloads in one place.
Many of the usual streaming services are available via the app – such as BBC iPlayer , ITV Player, All 4, My5 and Amazon Prime Video – but neither Netflix nor NowTV are on the list.
Users also have the option to subscribe to Apple TV channels within the app, although only two are available in the UK at launch – StarzPlay and Smithsonian.
Subscribers to these channels can watch and download shows and movies both online and offline, and share their subscription with up to five other family members at a time.
What does it look like?
When users first open the app, they will be presented with a range of options for browsing through content.
"Up Next" shows programmes you are already watching, so you can pick up where you left off on any device using the Apple TV app.
Below this is a "For You" section, which shows personalised recommendations based on what you've watched previously.
There's a "New & Noteworthy" section that shows new movie releases, award-winning shows and trending items.
There's also a dedicated Kids section in the app, which highlights editorially handpicked shows and movies for children of all ages.
What content is available?
These recommendations are drawn from a library of more than 150 video apps and streaming services and over 100,000 iTunes movies and TV shows.
Users will see a mixture of content from channels and streaming services they subscribe to – as well as those they don't – in their recommendations.
This means you may click on a TV show or film, only to find that can't watch it without paying to download it or subscribe to a service.
While some might find this annoying, Apple said it wants to showcase the wide range of content on offer via the app.
How does it play?
In most cases, once you've selected a show or film, you will be automatically redirected to the host app to watch it there.
So if you select Line of Duty, for example, you will automatically be taken through to the BBC iPlayer app to start streaming.
However, Apple TV channels play directly in the Apple TV app – as does any content downloaded from iTunes.
Where can I watch it?
The revamped app is available now in over 100 countries (including the UK), on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV, as well as all 2019 Samsung smart TVs and select 2018 models.
The app is pre-installed on most of these devices, so you'll just need to make sure your operating system is up to date.
Apple is also adding support for VIZIO, LG and Sony smart TVs later this year. As well as the Apple TV app, these devices will also get support for Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit.
Is that it?
While the relaunch may seem a bit underwhelming, the best is yet to come.
Apple plans to bring more TV channels to the UK soon – with HBO, SHOWTIME, Channel, EPIX and Tastemade already available in the US.
CBS All-Access and MTV Hits will also be added over time.
More importantly, Apple TV+, Apple's original video subscription service, will launch on the Apple TV app in the Autumn, featuring a star-studded lineup of original content.
Apple TV+ will be ad-free, with video content available on-demand, online and offline, for a monthly subscription fee.
Apple's original content includes:
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A revival of Steven Spielberg's 1985 series "Amazing Stories";
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A drama about a morning TV news show starring Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston and Steve Carell, called "The Morning Show";
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A true crime drama called "Are You Sleeping", starring Octavia Spencer;
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A post-apocalyptic drama Jason Mamoa and Alfre Woodard, called "See";
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An anthology series inspired by the true stories of immigrants in the US, called "Little America"
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…And much more
This is when the Apple TV app will really come into its own – and become a full-blown rival to Netflix.
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