About a week ago, the CBS All Access and Showtime package for Apple TV + is no longer available, lasting only five months since its launch in August 2020. This package gave Apple TV + subscribers access to CBS All Access and Showtime for $ 9.99 a month, representing significant savings of 50%.
While current subscribers to the package can still access the service, it is no longer possible to sign up for the package as a new user. This is likely because Viacom is preparing to end CBS All Access in favor of its new streaming platform: Paramount +, which will be launched in the United States from March 4.
Although not officially confirmed by Apple or Viacom at this stage, it does not appear that Paramount + will be offered as an Apple TV channel within the TV application. This means that customers will have to download a third party “Paramount +” app from the App Store to access CBS content going forward.
We saw a similar schedule of events when HBO launched HBO Max in May last year. The company removed the ability to watch through Apple’s TV channels as soon as HBO Max was launched.
It is unclear how long subscribers to the CBS All Access + Showtime package will be able to continue taking advantage of the reduced price agreement. So far, Apple has not announced any changes to the package, although removing the package for new subscriptions does not inspire confidence. (For third-generation Apple TV owners, the company has already announced that the CBS All Access channel will no longer function as part of the Paramount + transition.)
In general, content networks seem to prefer streaming through their own apps rather than services like Apple TV channels, as this allows them to retain more control over their own platform and have access to customer demographics and analytics. more detailed marketing.
Unfortunately, this means that the TV app’s channel offering is decreasing every day. Apple TV channels often offer a better user experience for end customers, as they can pay through their Apple ID and watch programs and movies unlocked natively within the TV app, without being directed to third-party apps .
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