Apple is planning to revamp its TV app, as it works to merge its Apple TV+ streaming service and its iTunes movie and TV show rental and purchase options, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. He says a December tvOS update will put the changes in place.
Apple plans to get rid of its standalone Apple TV apps that are available for renting and purchasing TV shows and movies. Apple is expected to also eliminate the movie and TV sections from the iPhone and iPad iTunes Store app.
Apple is working to drive viewers to its TV app, which is where viewers have to go to view their previously-purchased movies and TV shows, Apple TV+ content, and third-party channels that customers can subscribe to.
The TV app will serve as a central hub for streaming content. Gurman says the revamped app will boast a side panel on the left side of the screen that can be accessed to transition between video categories.
The revamped navigation of the TV app should make it less confusing for customers, hopefully clarifying which content is included in an Apple TV+ subscription and which content requires a separate subscription.