Are you one of the loyal HBO Max subscribers who transitioned into the exciting world of Max when it rebranded earlier this year? If so, you might be in for a bit of a surprise. Max is about to bid adieu to certain perks that were previously extended to legacy ad-free subscribers, and it’s all happening as we approach the six-month mark of this grand transformation.
When HBO Max transformed into Max in May, Warner Bros. Discovery promised existing subscribers on the ad-free plan that they could enjoy certain benefits, such as 4K streaming, for at least the first six months without any extra costs. However, with that six-month milestone just around the corner, the party’s coming to an end. Here’s what you need to know.
Max is taking action by sending out emails to its affected customers. While the good news is that your monthly subscription price of $15.99 isn’t going up, there are a couple of perks that you’ll have to say goodbye to, starting on or after December 5th.
One of the most significant changes involves 4K (and HDR) streaming, a feature that legacy ad-free subscribers have enjoyed. Unfortunately, this perk is being removed, and you’ll now be limited to HD quality, just like any new Max ad-free tier subscribers. If you’re keen to continue streaming in glorious 4K, you’ll need to upgrade to the “ultimate” plan, which will cost you $19.99 per month.
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Another benefit that legacy ad-free subscribers have cherished is the extra concurrent stream, which allowed for a total of three streams compared to the standard two streams that new signups receive on the $15.99 plan. However, come the December billing cycle, this perk will also be history. As a result, you’ll be back to the same two simultaneous streams as new subscribers.
As for offline downloads, there’s a silver lining in this cloud of changes. Both legacy and current ad-free customers can still save up to 30 titles on supported devices for offline viewing when they’re without a data connection. So, at least that convenience remains untouched.
Now, if you’re wondering about the available options, Max’s cheapest “with ads” tier comes at a cost of $9.99. While it doesn’t include offline downloads, it allows for two simultaneous streams and offers HD picture quality. Moreover, Max recently introduced an optional sports add-on, which is free until February 29th. However, if you want to continue enjoying this feature, it will cost an additional $9.99 per month after the free trial period ends.
In conclusion, HBO Max’s transformation into Max brought about exciting changes, but it seems that some perks initially extended to legacy ad-free subscribers are on the verge of fading into history. While 4K streaming and the extra concurrent stream are being removed, you can still enjoy offline downloads. Make sure to keep an eye on your inbox for updates from Max, and if you’re passionate about 4K streaming, you might want to consider the “ultimate” plan.
As with any change, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons to determine the best subscription plan that suits your needs and budget. These changes take effect on or after December 5th, so it’s a good time to evaluate your options and decide how you want to continue enjoying your favorite Max content.
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