For the most part, Apple TV Channels seems more about organizing your streaming media, instead of giving you something truly new. Apple is pitching it as an alternative to services like Sling TV and PlayStation Vue, which offer cable TV channels in bundles. By offering an a la carte alternative, it could save some viewers money. Of course, the participating networks also have their own Apple TV apps, but jumping between isn't exactly seamless, something that Channels would also solve.
Apple is also clearly targeting
Amazon's Prime Video Channels
, which another way to subscribe to premium networks. It's also bringing the "TV" app to Macs and smart TV brands, so you'll be able to watch Apple Channels on devices beyond your iPhone and iPad. Back at CES, we were surprised to see AirPlay headed to several major smart TV makers, as well as
iTunes on Samsung TVs
, so it's not a huge surprise to see Apple expanding its reach even further.
Apple isn't offering any pricing details yet for Channels, but
rumors point to $10
for premium networks. HBO Go, in comparison, costs $15 a month normally. It'll be interesting to see how Apple prices smaller services like Shudder, which is $5 a month typically. It's unclear at this point if your existing app subscriptions will transition to Channels, but given that Apple's focus is on simplifying your media consumption, we hope they will.