Apple is set to redesign its TV app as part of a broader strategy to streamline its various video services, according to sources familiar with the matter, reports Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
The revamped app is expected to be released in December, coinciding with an upcoming tvOS software update. The redesign aims to make the TV app the central platform for Apple’s growing video content, including its TV+ subscription service and third-party offerings like Starz and Paramount+.
As part of the overhaul, Apple will discontinue dedicated apps on its Apple TV set-top box for renting and buying movies and shows. The iTunes Store app on iPhones and iPads will also see the removal of movie and TV show sections. The changes are designed to direct users to the main TV app, eliminating the need for a separate iTunes option for program rentals and purchases.
The updated app will feature a new left-hand side panel for easier navigation between video categories, aligning with design elements used by other streaming services like Netflix. The TV app is not only available on Apple’s set-top box but also on smart TVs produced by other companies.
This tvOS update is among several software enhancements Apple is working on, including upcoming releases of iOS 17.1, which will fix bugs and add features to Apple Music.
