With the iOS 12.3 update, Apple has added a brand new TV app. This replaces the Videos app and offers a new look and more options. This is how the TV app works on your iPhone and iPad.
TV app: your personal video library
For years, the Videos app was part of the standard interior of iOS, and you could watch all kinds of films and documentaries that you had rented or bought from the iTunes Store. Apple is letting Videos in iOS 12.3 give way to TV. This app is still your personal video library, but a lot more versatile. Especially as soon as Apple TV Plus is available from this fall.
If you still had rented and / or purchased films in the Videos app, they can be found in the TV library after the update. In addition, the TV app can be found not only on your iOS devices, but also on the Apple TV and various smart TVs.
Using the TV app
A big difference with Videos is that you rent or buy films directly in the TV app. Previously, you first had to make that purchase through the iTunes Store, after which the film appeared in Videos. The range has been considerably expanded, allowing you to choose from tens of thousands of titles. With the new design it is easy to find a movie that suits you.
In the ‘Watch now’ tab you will find the countless films in handy categories. Think of new movies, popular titles or certain genres. Once you have rented or bought films, you will find them in the ‘Library’ tab. You can logically search for specific films, TV series or documentaries via the search function.
If you click on a movie, you will get all kinds of additional information. You will see a description, trailer and cast overview, as well as a recommended viewing age and review score from film review website Rotten Tomatoes.
At the top you can immediately see how much it will cost you to buy or rent the film. At the top right, the app offers the option to share a title via social media or add it to your watch list. This way you can easily build up a list of films that you still want to see, without purchasing them immediately.
Third-party series and Apple TV Plus
It is convenient that you can also find series from Apple – such as Carpool Karaoke – and other services via the search function. For series that can be viewed on Netflix, the app offers the option to open and play them in the Netflix app. In addition to Netflix series, the app also displays titles from streaming services Amazon Prime Video and Hayu in the search results.
In participating countries you can also take out subscriptions to paid channels via the app, but no Dutch channels are participating yet. As soon as Apple TV Plus appears in the Netherlands this fall, this app will also be the home base. Just like with Apple Music, you take out a subscription via the app, where you pay a fixed amount for exclusive series. In our overview of the Apple TV Plus range, we have listed the first films and series for you.