Apple today announced the release of iOS 12.3 and tvOS 12.3, which bring the new TV app to over 100 countries. The new TV app is also now available on select Samsung smart TVs.

“Customers around the world can now subscribe to Apple TV channels within the Apple TV app — paying for only the ones they want — and watch on demand directly in the app,” an Apple announcement notes. “In the US, Apple TV channels include popular services such as HBO, Starz, SHOWTIME, Smithsonian Channel, EPIX, Tastemade, and new services like MTV Hits, with more to be added over time around the world.”

Apple announced the new TV app as part of its Apple TV+ and broader services announcement in late March. The Apple TV+ service won’t ship until sometime this fall, and Apple hasn’t yet announced pricing. But the new TV app is the first step, and it appears to look like the version Apple showed off in March.

As part of today’s announcement, Apple also revealed that the new app will offer personalized recommendations of shows and movies from more than 150 video apps and streaming services, and from over 100,000 iTunes movies and TV shows, all from a single location.

“Users can quickly find and watch their favorites with activity synced across devices, as well as explore expertly curated collections based on a secure and comprehensive understanding of users’ viewing interests,” the firm notes.

The new TV app is available in iOS 12.3 for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch starting today, and in tvOS 12.3 for Apple TV. Customers with 2019 Samsung smart TVs and select 2018 models can download the new TV app. And also starting today, customers with AirPlay 2-enabled Samsung smart TVs can stream videos and other content from their iPhone, iPad or Mac directly to their smart TVs; this requires customers to update to iOS 12.3 or macOS 10.14.5. This support is also coming to select LG, Sony, and VIZIO smart TVs later this year.

Tagged with Apple TV, Apple TV app