A week or so ago, the CBS All Access and Showtime bundle for Apple TV + is no longer available and lasts only five months since its launch in August 2020. This bundle has given Apple TV + subscribers access to CBS All Access and Showtime for $ 9.99 per month, which represents a significant 50% savings.
While current subscribers to the bundle still have access to the service, it is no longer possible to log in as a new user to the bundle. This is probably because Viacom is ready to undergo CBS All Access in favor of their new streaming platform: Paramount +, which launches from March 4 in the US.
Although not officially confirmed by Apple or Viacom, it does not look like Paramount + will be offered within the TV app as an Apple TV channel. This means that customers would rather download a third-party “Paramount +” app from the App Store to access CBS content.
We see a similar timeline of events unfold when HBO launched HBO Max in May last year. The company removed the ability to watch via Apple TV channels once HBO Max was launched.
It is unclear how long existing CBS All Access + Showtime bundle subscribers will be able to continue to benefit from the short-term deal. So far, Apple has not announced any changes to the package, although the removal of the bundle for new sign-ups does not inspire confidence. (For third-generation Apple TV owners, the company has already announced that the CBS All Access channel will stop working as part of the Paramount + transition.)
In general, content networks seem to prefer streaming through their own apps rather than through services like Apple TV channels, as they can retain more control over their own platform and access more detailed customer demographics and marketing analytics.
Unfortunately, this means that the TV app’s channels are getting smaller by the day. Apple TV channels usually provide a better user experience for end customers, as they can pay for their Apple ID and watch unlocked apps and movies within the TV app, without bouncing in third-party apps.
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