It won’t be long before HBO Max changes its name and branding to Max. The rebrand will take place on May 23, 2023 and will bring in new content from Discovery+ channels such as HGTV, Discovery Channel and Food Network.
In addition, Max includes improved performance, an easier sign-up process, profile PINs for adult profiles, new genre hubs, and smarter recommendations.
In addition to all the new shows and platform improvements, there is a different pricing system. However, if you’ve already subscribed to HBO Max to watch movies like The Last of Us and Succession, you might be wondering what this means for you.
We’ve listed everything you need to know. You can also check out our guide to Netflix’s crackdown on password sharing and the rebranding of BT Sport to TNT Sports.
Will the price of Max differ from HBO Max?
Yes, but first we’ll discuss what this means for new customers, as it will work differently for existing subscribers.
HBO Max currently has two levels. These are:
- Ad-supported: $9.99 per month / $99.99 per year – 1080p resolution, no offline downloads
- Ad-free: $15.99 per month / $149.99 per year – 4K resolution, offline downloads available
As of May 23, 2023, these plans will change to the following:
- Max Ad-Lite: $9.99 per month / $99.99 per year – 1080p resolution, no offline downloads, two simultaneous streams, 5.1 surround sound quality
- max. Ad-free – $15.99 per month / $149.99 per year – 1080p resolution, up to 30 offline downloads, two simultaneous streams, 5.1 surround sound quality
- Ad-free Max Ultimate – $19.99 per month / $199.99 per year – 4K resolution, up to 100 offline downloads, four simultaneous streams, Dolby Atmos sound quality available
So 4K content and a higher number of offline downloads will be moved to a more expensive plan from the end of May. If you’re not currently an HBO Max subscriber, now might be a good time to sign up as you can get more bang for your buck.
Will existing HBO Max subscribers be charged more for Max?
Not immediately. HBO subscribers will still have access to all their features for six months after Max’s May 23 launch.
That means if you’re currently paying $15.99 a month for 4K streaming, you can keep that price through the end of this year. After that, you can downgrade to the Max Ad-Free plan – the price remains the same, but you lose access to 4K streaming. Alternatively, you can pay $4 per month / $40 per year more for the Ultimate Ad-Free plan.
How do I switch from HBO Max to Max?
Hopefully you don’t have to do anything. The interface should automatically migrate to Max, though the company has advised that some people may need to re-download the app if there are any technical issues.
Subscribers, passwords, usernames, profiles, billing, and even viewing history all need to be transferred. Customers should receive an email reminder of all this information prior to launch.
I’m a Discovery+ subscriber – can I access Max?
No – Discovery+ will remain a standalone platform, so customers will not be transferred to Max.
For reference, Discovery+ costs $4.99 per month to serve with ads and $6.99 per month for an ad-free plan.