HBO Max App Update for Apple TV Brings Back Native Video Player

HBO Max has updated its Apple TV app to fix problems with its video playback interface that came to the fore last week following its introduction of a custom video player.

hbomax1
The new update reinstates the native tvOS video player UI, which means users should no longer face the issues with fast-forwarding and rewinding video that the custom player was seemingly responsible for.

"We just released an update to our ‌Apple TV‌ app, restoring the native tvOS video playback experience you know and love, with more improvements to come," HBO Max announced in a tweet. "Ensuring HBO Max viewers have a quality experience is our top priority and we missed the mark here. Thank you for your patience."

As pointed out by The Verge, some users on the HBO Max subreddit are still reporting some other issues to do with subtitles and thumbnail previews after updating, but the general consensus is that reverting to the native video player interface has made the app a lot more responsive to ‌Apple TV‌ Siri Remote inputs.

Related Roundup: Apple TV
Tag: HBO Max
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)

Popular Stories

imac video apple feature

Apple Unveils First New Products of 2026

Monday January 26, 2026 1:55 pm PST by
Apple today introduced its first two physical products of 2026: a second-generation AirTag and the Black Unity Connection Braided Solo Loop for the Apple Watch. Read our coverage of each announcement to learn more:Apple Unveils New AirTag With Longer Range, Louder Speaker, and More Apple Introduces New Black Unity Apple Watch BandBoth the new AirTag and the Black Unity Connection Braided...
iPhone 5s

iPhone 5s Gets New Software Update 13 Years After Launch

Monday January 26, 2026 3:56 pm PST by
Alongside iOS 26.2.1, Apple today released an updated version of iOS 12 for devices that are still running that operating system update, eight years after the software was first released. iOS 12.5.8 is available for the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 6, meaning Apple is continuing to support these devices for 13 and 12 years after launch, respectively. The iPhone 5s came out in September 2013,...
Second Generation AirTag Feature

Apple Unveils New AirTag With Longer Range, Louder Speaker, and More

Monday January 26, 2026 6:07 am PST by
Apple today introduced the second-generation AirTag, with key features including longer range for tracking items and a louder speaker. For those who are not familiar, the AirTag is a small accessory that you can attach to your backpack, keys, or other items. Then, you can track the location of those items in the Find My app on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and iCloud.com. The new...
Apple Creator Studio

Apple's Next Launch is Today

Tuesday January 27, 2026 2:39 pm PST by
Update: Apple Creator Studio is now available. Apple Creator Studio launches this Wednesday, January 28. The all-in-one subscription provides access to the Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage apps, with U.S. pricing set at $12.99 per month or $129 per year. A subscription to Apple Creator Studio also unlocks "intelligent features" and "premium...
Apple Logo Spotlight

Apple to Launch These 20+ Products This Year

Sunday January 25, 2026 6:02 pm PST by
2026 promises to be yet another busy year for Apple, with the company rumored to be planning more than 20 product announcements over the coming months. Beyond the usual updates to iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches, Apple is expected to release its all-new smart home hub, which was reportedly delayed until the more personalized version of Siri is ready. Other unique products rumored for ...

Top Rated Comments

Muzzakus Avatar
61 months ago
The biggest sin on ATV is Apple not enforcing their design guidelines.

Everything started great. Consistency across all media apps, smooth, fast and responsive.

Now it’s turned into a $10 Chinese android stick experience with all manner of web based apps. And jesus wept are they clunky, especially with the swipe remote.

The damn platform is a disgrace.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
shapesinaframe Avatar
61 months ago

I do not understand why those companies even bother to invest money to come up with their own player interface when Apple gives them a finished product right there that people are already used to instead of having to deal with customer complains and wasted money.
My guess: Probably something to do with being able to track user behaviour in-app.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
contacos Avatar
61 months ago
I do not understand why those companies even bother to invest money to come up with their own player interface when Apple gives them a finished product right there that people are already used to instead of having to deal with customer complains and wasted money.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
briko Avatar
61 months ago
Thank goodness for that!

I was watching the new Conjuring movie, and I thought a ghost was playing with my Apple TV remote. It’s like the scrubber had a mind of its own. ?
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kugino Avatar
61 months ago
companies want to show off...make their products look distinct and promote their "brand"...works if it works...when it doesnʻt, they look so stupid. hbomax rightly admitted their sins and fixed it...
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Royksöpp Avatar
61 months ago
Thank god. What a disaster.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)