New SharePlay Feature on Max iOS Offers Ad-Free Subscriptions—Explained

Remote streaming has become increasingly popular, with Max, formerly known as HBO Max, now introducing a SharePlay feature for iOS users who have Ad-Free subscriptions. This new experience allows iOS users to stream movies and series available on the Max platform simultaneously, eliminating the need for third-party apps in the process.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, simultaneous streaming has been a sought-after activity for sharing entertainment experiences, and Max has capitalized on this trend by offering the SharePlay feature for iOS users.

A recent announcement from Max revealed the availability of SharePlay for iOS devices, leveraging the Apple feature introduced in iOS 15 in 2021. This feature enables users to stream movies, series, or songs while on FaceTime, ensuring a synchronized viewing experience for both parties.

The SharePlay feature on Max allows for real-time simultaneous streaming, ensuring that all participants can enjoy the content together. However, this feature is exclusive to Ad-Free and Ultimate Ad-Free subscribers of Max.

To initiate a SharePlay session on Max, subscribers can host or join watch parties via the app’s media player’s ‘Share’ button or through FaceTime. Each SharePlay session on Max can accommodate up to 32 participants and is currently available in North and South America, Europe, and the Caribbean.

Max’s streaming platform, initially launched as HBO Max by Warner Bros., has evolved over the years to offer a wide range of content, including HBO Originals and collaborations with platforms like Crunchyroll to expand its anime offerings. Following a significant merger between Warner Bros. and Discovery, Max was born in 2023, combining the best elements of HBO Max and Discovery+ into a centralized streaming platform.

In response to industry trends, Max has implemented measures to prevent password-sharing among users, aligning with other major streaming services’ policies. Notable features like SharePlay for iOS have been introduced to enhance the streaming experience, catering specifically to Ad-Free subscribers of Max.

As Max continues to evolve and adapt to changing viewer preferences, the addition of SharePlay for iOS users underscores the platform’s commitment to providing innovative and engaging entertainment options for its subscribers.