When Apple had their big press event back in March they showed us what the new Apple TV experience was going to look like when it was released and it’s officially here with the release of tvOS 12.3. This is the first step in the launch of Apples streaming service Apple TV+ service which is set to launch in the fall. Apple hasn’t yet announced pricing on the Apple TV+ service yet but I am sure will over the summer or at the launch.

The new TV app is the first step, and it appears to look like the version Apple showed off in March. The new tvOS app is available in over 100 countries. The new TV app is also now available on select Samsung smart TVs and on iOS devices like the iPhone and iPad. Apple has said the Apple TV experience will be available on MacOS coming this fall with the launch of Apple TV+.

Apple did mention customers with AirPlay 2-enabled Samsung smart TVs can now play videos and other content from their iPhone, iPad or Mac directly to their smart TVs. Added customers with eligible VIZIO, LG and Sony smart TVs will be able to enjoy AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support later this year.

Apple wrote in its press release

With the free iOS 12.3 and tvOS 12.3 software update, customers around the world can now subscribe to Apple TV channels within the Apple TV app — paying for only the ones they want — and watch on demand directly in the app. In the US, Apple TV channels include popular services such as HBO, Starz, SHOWTIME, Smithsonian Channel, EPIX, Tastemade and new services like MTV Hits, with more to be added over time around the world.

Apple also revealed that the new Apple TV app will offer personalized recommendations of shows and movies from more than 150 video apps and streaming services, and from over 100,000 iTunes movies and TV shows, all from a single location.

Apple added

Through Family Sharing, up to six family members can share subscriptions to Apple TV channels using just their Apple ID and password. Subscribers can watch and download shows and movies both online and offline, making the Apple TV app the first and only place where HBO subscribers can download movies and shows such as “Game of Thrones” for offline viewing.

Apple being much focused on family entertainment made a dedicated Kids section with handpicked shows and movies for kids of all ages. Apple also added a sports section for sports fans.

I think this is the first step for Apple as we know they do everything slowly but tend to do things right the first time for the most part.