Apple Gets An Exclusive On HBO Now

Fans of the Game of Thrones may have to purchase an Apple device since Apple and HBO came to an agreement wherein HBO Now will be offered exclusively by Apple through its devices. This was revealed by the two companies recently.

The deal means that users will have to use an iPhone, iPad or Apple TV if they want to stream HBO shows and movies when the service is launched by April. The monthly subscription for the first standalone streaming package from HBO is at $14.99. The standalone service offered by HBO allows users to watch shows and movies without signing up for a cable subscription.

Richard Plepler of HBO said the moment was transformative for the company. Since the deal was settled before the launch of the streaming service, it means that the fifth season of the popular show, which is set to begin on April 12, will be available through Apple devices only.

HBO Now - image credit: engadget.com

However, HBO also revealed that it is currently negotiating with internet providers. This simply means that there is a possibility that HBO Now may be accessed through other devices if the company comes into an agreement with these internet providers.

While owners of Apple devices can subscribe to the streaming service, non-Apple users will be compelled to acquire an Apple device in order for them to subscribe to the upcoming cable-free streaming service. The three-month exclusive deal between Apple and HBO also means that other streaming devices, such as the PlayStation, Roku and Xbox, will have to wait until early July before they can negotiate with HBO in giving them access to HBO Now.

Posted by Kade Quinn on Wednesday March 11 2015, 12:47 PM EST. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Entertainment. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0