Apple Incorporates tvOS Events App Into Apple TV App Ahead of WWDC

[MacRumors]

Ahead of Monday's WWDC Event, Apple has folded the "Apple Events" app on tvOS into the Apple TV app, which is where the WWDC keynote will be able to be watched.

Searching for the Events app in the tvOS App Store confirms the swap to the TV app, as does attempting to download the Events app for the first time. This appears to be a change that's rolling out at the current time, as opening up the Events app still shows the September 2019 event info.

With Apple sunsetting the Events app, the WWDC keynote and future events will be provided to Apple TV users in the Apple TV app. This also has the benefit of making the event stream available on non-Apple devices that have access to the Apple TV app, such as smart TVs.

Apple's WWDC keynote will kick off on Monday, June 22 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. The keynote can be viewed in the Apple TV app, on the Apple Events website, in the Developer app, on the Developer website, or on YouTube.

Article Link: Apple Incorporates tvOS Events App Into Apple TV App Ahead of WWDC

 

[ipedro]

This really lends into my hunch that Apple is de-emphasizing apps in tvOS. The TV app is becoming the home screen. It even has its own button that used to bring you back to the app screen but now brings you to the TV app.

I think we’ll see a new tvOS where all content is inside of the TV app and Channels take importance over streaming services’ own apps. This will encourage most content providers to support Channels — with the notable exception of Netflix, Disney+ and HBO Max.

While I don’t think apps are going to disappear, they’ll probably have their own menu with a list view. Apps that connect their content to Up Next and Search but launch from inside of the TV app will still do that but hitting the home button will bring you back to the TV app, not the app screen we have today.

Non video apps in tvOS never really hit any stride and lately, I’ve been finding most tvOS apps that I have are outdated and haven’t been receiving support or updates.

Will the new AppleTV (hardware) just be a TV app device for TVs that don’t already have the TV app built in or will Apple keep the powerful box it has now so that it can use it as an Apple Arcade box?

 

[Mdracer]

This really lends into my hunch that Apple is de-emphasizing apps in tvOS. The TV app is becoming the home screen. It even has its own button that used to bring you back to the home screen but now brings you to the TV app.

That was the first setting I changed. Although the separation of content can be frustrating it is the biggest player, Netflix, that I cannot see adding their content to to the Apple TV app. Netflix relies too much on their content selection algorithm to let another app control what the viewer previews. IMHO

 

[mnsportsgeek]

This really lends into my hunch that Apple is de-emphasizing apps in tvOS. The TV app is becoming the home screen. It even has its own button that used to bring you back to the app screen but now brings you to the TV app.

I think we’ll see a new tvOS where all content is inside of the TV app and Channels take importance over streaming services’ own apps. This will encourage most content providers to support Channels — with the notable exception of Netflix, Disney+ and HBO Max.

While I don’t think apps are going to disappear, they’ll probably have their own menu with a list view. Apps that connect their content to Up Next and Search but launch from inside of the TV app will still do that but hitting the home button will bring you back to the TV app, not the app screen we have today.

Non video apps in tvOS never really hit any stride and lately, I’ve been finding most tvOS apps that I have are outdated and haven’t been receiving support or updates.

Will the new AppleTV (hardware) just be a TV app device for TVs that don’t already have the TV app built in or will Apple keep the powerful box it has now so that it can use it as an Apple Arcade box?

That’s a fun idea but without the big names it will fall flat. Netflix, Disney, and ATT aren’t giving 30% to Apple. Apple has already conceded trying to get a paycheck from HBO so Channels will really only get as big as they are now and may even shrink when Showtime and others decide they don’t want to give Apple 30%. Without the big names, users will hate the TV app being thrust on them. I think giving up on HBO might be indicative of how Apple perceives Channels going forward.

They could compromise and give users the option to make the TV app the default home screen without alienating the majority of their userbase.

They’re also not ready to give up on gaming as the new Apple TV is looking like gaming will be the primary selling point.

 

[Marlon DLTH :)]

Will the new AppleTV (hardware) just be a TV app device for TVs without the TV app already built in or will Apple keep the powerful box it has now so that it can use it as an Apple Arcade box?

The new Apple TV to be released at WWDC will have the A12X chip, so I think it will be a gaming device for Apple Arcade

 

[Mr. Awesome]

Ohhhhh.... it’s almost Keynote time!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
With old Tim “Welcome Back”-ing
And everyone telling you “Betas are here!”
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

It’s the hap-happiest season of all!
With those new Animojis and haters bemoaning
The products unveiled
It’s the hap-happiest season of all!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
There’ll be much frantic coding
And bug reports flowing
From testers all year
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

 

[ipedro]

That’s a fun idea but without the big names it will fall flat. Netflix, Disney, and ATT aren’t giving 30% to Apple. Apple has already conceded trying to get a paycheck from HBO so Channels will really only get as big as they are now. And without the big names, users will hate the TV app being thrust on them.

They could compromise and give users the option to make the TV app the default home screen.

All of these apps are already integrated with AppleTV. While they aren’t channels, they don’t have to be.

The AppleTV would would be the landing space where all of your content would be found and the launch pad from which you would get to external apps, including from streamers that have their own apps. It’s already this way but the next update would just make it official.

You could still go into the other apps directly by going to the app list but very much like Apple, they would guide users into the use case Apple would like to promote.

 

[Rogifan]

The TV app as it stands is a bit of a mess. I really think Apple TV+ content should be separate. And the app shouldn’t co-mingle things you have to buy/rent with things you have a subscription to.

 

[chris4565]

I personally would love to have the TV app to be a place for all of my movies and series across all services. It's quite annoying that Netflix doesn't support this feature.

 

[TracesOfArsenic]

The TV app is the new iTunes.

 

[dhruveonmars]

This really lends into my hunch that Apple is de-emphasizing apps in tvOS. The TV app is becoming the home screen. It even has its own button that used to bring you back to the app screen but now brings you to the TV app.

I think we’ll see a new tvOS where all content is inside of the TV app and Channels take importance over streaming services’ own apps. This will encourage most content providers to support Channels — with the notable exception of Netflix, Disney+ and HBO Max.

While I don’t think apps are going to disappear, they’ll probably have their own menu with a list view. Apps that connect their content to Up Next and Search but launch from inside of the TV app will still do that but hitting the home button will bring you back to the TV app, not the app screen we have today.

Non video apps in tvOS never really hit any stride and lately, I’ve been finding most tvOS apps that I have are outdated and haven’t been receiving support or updates.

Will the new AppleTV (hardware) just be a TV app device for TVs that don’t already have the TV app built in or will Apple keep the powerful box it has now so that it can use it as an Apple Arcade box?

I doubt it. Pressing the "Home" button while in the tv app, takes you to the home screen, if I'm not mistaken. This behaviour can also be changed back to what it used to be, so pressing it goes back to the home screen.

While those apps don't offer Channels, Disney+ does sync up with the TV App. Not sure about HBO Max or Netflix. Plus with other video streaming apps like Plex, YouTube, Vimeo that simply can't integrate with the TV App or Channels quite so easily.
Not to mention, Apple wants to push Arcade as much as possible, so they would still need the home screen and App Store for that.

If they did try and go down that route, I think they would alienate too many users and developers.
I don't think they'll release tv hardware that's just the tv app.

 

[Pirate!]

I’d like it to fully replace my cable box(es) (with the understanding that I’d still be paying a separate subscription for that service). There’s no need for me to have a separate device, that I can see, as all DVR is in the cloud already and they tend to offer the same type of stuff anyway (rentals, Netflix, etc.). Cable can make an app (that works) and have no need to offer other apps that are unnecessary through their box.

edit: pretty sure I went OT with this post. Oops

 

[mnsportsgeek]

I’d like it to fully replace my cable box(es) (with the understanding that I’d still be paying a separate subscription for that service). There’s no need for me to have a separate device, that I can see, as all DVR is in the cloud already and they tend to offer the same type of stuff anyway (rentals, Netflix, etc.). Cable can make an app (that works) and have no need to offer other apps that are unnecessary through their box.

edit: pretty sure I went OT with this post. Oops

Apple tried to do that. They also tried zero sign on meaning you would never have to log in to apps with your cable sub. They got Spectrum on board, but nobody else supported it because they didn’t want to give up cable box fees. Xfinity claims customers value the X1 experience too much.

 

[Ar40]

This now confirms to me that tvOS, Apple TV, and Apple TV+ are getting a lot of announcements and overhauls at WWDC. I expect immediate shipment of the new Apple TV, a revamped tvOS, a new and improved Apple TV+ interface to highlight TV+, and at least 4 new show announcements plus trailers and release dates.

 

[Marlon DLTH :)]

The TV app as it stands is a bit of a mess. I really think Apple TV+ content should be separate. And the app shouldn’t co-mingle things you have to buy/rent with things you have a subscription to.

Agree. They should allow us to select to show only the content we had purchased and the channels to which we are subscribed (e.g. Apple TV+)

 

[Ar40]

This really lends into my hunch that Apple is de-emphasizing apps in tvOS. The TV app is becoming the home screen. It even has its own button that used to bring you back to the app screen but now brings you to the TV app.

I think we’ll see a new tvOS where all content is inside of the TV app and Channels take importance over streaming services’ own apps. This will encourage most content providers to support Channels — with the notable exception of Netflix, Disney+ and HBO Max.

I can't agree with that though. Apple Arcade and the many multitude of tvOS games are not going to fit inside the Apple TV app/home screen. Also, apps like Plex, Weather, etc., need a dedicated area outside of the TV app.

 

[ipedro]

I can't agree with that though. Apple Arcade and the many multitude of tvOS games are not going to fit inside the Apple TV app/home screen. Also, apps like Plex, Weather, etc., need a dedicated area outside of the TV app.

Apple has been signalling their intentions for several versions of tvOS. First, they introduced the TV app, allowing other apps to list their contents within it. Then, they switched the function of the Home button on the remote to go into the AppleTV app instead of the app screen, then they introduced Channels, replacing apps with channels within the app, now they’re deprecating their own apps and bringing them into the TV app.

For a secretive company, Apple does tend to show what they’re doing if you just look.

I don’t expect apps to disappear but the AppleTV app absolutely looks to be on its way to becoming the home screen. Maybe there’ll be an Apps button that takes you to the existing apps screen or an app list but everything Apple has been doing over the last few versions of tvOS has been devaluing apps. They were never the hit Apple intended them to be.

 

[goobot]

This really lends into my hunch that Apple is de-emphasizing apps in tvOS. The TV app is becoming the home screen. It even has its own button that used to bring you back to the app screen but now brings you to the TV app.

I think we’ll see a new tvOS where all content is inside of the TV app and Channels take importance over streaming services’ own apps. This will encourage most content providers to support Channels — with the notable exception of Netflix, Disney+ and HBO Max.

While I don’t think apps are going to disappear, they’ll probably have their own menu with a list view. Apps that connect their content to Up Next and Search but launch from inside of the TV app will still do that but hitting the home button will bring you back to the TV app, not the app screen we have today.

Non video apps in tvOS never really hit any stride and lately, I’ve been finding most tvOS apps that I have are outdated and haven’t been receiving support or updates.

Will the new AppleTV (hardware) just be a TV app device for TVs that don’t already have the TV app built in or will Apple keep the powerful box it has now so that it can use it as an Apple Arcade box?

I think Apple’s thoughts on all third party software being handled as an app on their stores is a problem. They recently moved safari extensions to the Mac App Store. On iOS, keyboards and safari extensions are a few examples of things that shouldn’t be treated like an app. Tv channels on the Apple TV are another I can see being its own thing too.

 

[ipedro]

That was the first setting I changed. Although the separation of content can be frustrating it is the biggest player, Netflix, that I cannot see adding their content to to the Apple TV app. Netflix relies too much on their content selection algorithm to let another app control what the viewer previews. IMHO

Again, I’m not suggesting these apps are disappearing. I singled out Netflix, Disney+ and HBO Max because they have insisted on having their own apps. They will continue to have their own apps.

But all of these apps already integrate into the AppleTV app. Netflix shows are in my Up Next. I can search for the Mandalorian inside of the TV app. I have all the Marvel movies cued up in my Up Next in the TV app. That won’t change.

What will change is that apps will be far less prominent in tvOS. You’ll be able to launch into Netflix directly by bringing up an app list but you’ll more often launch into Netflix from inside of the TV app. When you click a Netflix show, it sends you into the Netflix app.

We’ve already seen Apple deemphasizing apps in tvOS in favour of the TV app and with the Events app moving into the TV app today, we’ve seen this progression continue.

 

[Ar40]

Apple has been signalling their intentions for several versions of tvOS. First, they introduced the TV app, allowing other apps to list their contents within it. Then, they switched the function of the Home button on the remote to go into the AppleTV app instead of the app screen, then they introduced Channels, replacing apps with channels within the app, now they’re deprecating their own apps and bringing them into the TV app.

For a secretive company, Apple does tend to show what they’re doing if you just look.

I don’t expect apps to disappear but the AppleTV app absolutely looks to be on its way to becoming the home screen. Maybe there’ll be an Apps button that takes you to the existing apps screen or an app list but everything Apple has been doing over the last few versions of tvOS has been devaluing apps. They were never the hit Apple intended them to be.

But we have never seen a precedent for channels used the way you are referring to. Making arcade games and Weather channels would absolutely dilute the meaning of a channel. Channels are other streaming services which are built directly into TV app. Like HBO, Starz, etc. How much sense would it make to have a channel called "Angry Birds," another called "Castle Defenders," and then after that CBS All Access? Games are not channels, period. And it is bonkers to stuff everything into TV when it doesn't belong there.

There's a 0% chance that Apple does away with the Home screen.

Apple channels are the same concept as Amazon channels. Or Hulu channels. Hulu and Amazon also have a ton (and even more than Apple) of third party apps/channels integrated into Prime and Hulu. Apple is just cribbing that idea. What we don't see, anywhere, is arcade games, or news/etc. apps globbed into the TV/movie services of any streaming service. TV is for TV. The Home screen and App store is for Apps. The App store is far too lucrative to Apple and all the other developers to be removed, and the Home screen will continue to be the way it is.

Apple sees the Apple TV as a family multimedia hub, connecting Apple to a plethora of different viewing uses on a TV. Including reading magazines, newspapers, articles on the TV screen, including listening to Music, podcasts, etc. Including looking at the Weather, stocks, etc., including watching streaming services, including TV/Movies in the TV app. Including games in Apple Arcade and standalone. By reducing it all to a TV app, you are cutting off 3/4 of the potential uses Apple intends with this device. And you are stuffing WAYYYYY too much into an app that was never intended to cover that function.

 

[ipedro]

But we have never seen a precedent for channels used the way you are referring to. Making arcade games and Weather channels would absolutely dilute the meaning of a channel.

You're misunderstanding.

Channels are video content, not apps. And apps aren't Channels. I'm not suggesting they should be.

Much of how tvOS works and the integration of third party apps into the TV app would remain exactly as it is now. Some content providers choose to offer Channels instead of making their own apps. Others like Netflix, HBO Max and Disney+ make their own apps. All of them show their content in some way inside of the TV app. They already do.

But apps would be de-emphasized throughout tvOS. The app home screen that we know now and that Apple has already been moving away from will go away or at least not be the first thing you see. The AppleTV app would be the main screen as it has been becoming anyway.

If you want to launch an app, you could do it either by launching a show that has its own app — i.e. a Netflix show for example would open the Netflix app — or by going into an app list, maybe in the slide over screen that tvOS introduced last year or with a new app button on the new AppleTV box's remote.

Apple wants to give the user one place where they can find all their content, regardless of where it comes from. That's why they built the concept of Channels, so that content owners wouldn't have to make their own apps, each with their own UI, with content that you want to watch spread around a bunch of different apps. Even though some didn't join Channels, the TV app still integrates their content. Apple is executing on that strategy now. I look forward to seeing the other shoe drop at WWDC.

 

[armandxp]

I’d like it to fully replace my cable box(es) (with the understanding that I’d still be paying a separate subscription for that service). There’s no need for me to have a separate device, that I can see, as all DVR is in the cloud already and they tend to offer the same type of stuff anyway (rentals, Netflix, etc.). Cable can make an app (that works) and have no need to offer other apps that are unnecessary through their box.

edit: pretty sure I went OT with this post. Oops

I have Spectrum services and I use their app on both my Apple TV's. It's not perfect, but I use it and really like not having to pay for a cable box, and dvr service.
[automerge]1592533053[/automerge]

Again, I’m not suggesting these apps are disappearing. I singled out Netflix, Disney+ and HBO Max because they have insisted on having their own apps. They will continue to have their own apps.

But all of these apps already integrate into the AppleTV app. Netflix shows are in my Up Next. I can search for the Mandalorian inside of the TV app. I have all the Marvel movies cued up in my Up Next in the TV app. That won’t change.

What will change is that apps will be far less prominent in tvOS. You’ll be able to launch into Netflix directly by bringing up an app list but you’ll more often launch into Netflix from inside of the TV app. When you click a Netflix show, it sends you into the Netflix app.

We’ve already seen Apple deemphasizing apps in tvOS in favour of the TV app and with the Events app moving into the TV app today, we’ve seen this progression continue.

I'm not seeing Netflix shows in my up next from Netflix? How do I get this to work?

 

[Yammabot]

The Apple TV app is crap why would they put more emphasis on it without putting more effort into it. Please Apple, the TV experience is so horrendous it feels like your putting us on. I guess that’s why others are leapfrogging you in the streaming game. Don’t even get me started on the remote... where is that thing anyway?

 

[Ar40]

Apple wants to give the user one place where they can find all their content, regardless of where it comes from. That's why they built the concept of Channels, so that content owners wouldn't have to make their own apps, each with their own UI, with content that you want to watch spread around a bunch of different apps.

I really understand you loud and clear. I just think you are very wrong about this. It seems like you personally use Apple TV primarily for TV content. I have family that never touch the TV app and use Apple TV exclusively for gaming and music. It doesn't make sense to emphasize only one segment of a device which is intended for the entirety of uses, that go way beyond TV channels and TV streaming services. Apple does not want to stuff all the non-TV related content into the TV app. Apple wants to give the user one place where they can find all their TV/Movie content, regardless of where it comes from. Not "all their content." All their content includes non TV/Movie apps and games, which have no business in the TV app.

Why would Apple go out of its way to hide apps in a side slide-over screen? That makes it way too many steps to get to my gaming/Arcade content or podcasts. The way the device is now, you have your Up Next bar on the top of the Home screen anyway. And you can use the remote button to go straight to the TV app. The Menu button correctly defaults to the Home screen, so that gives me a choice of using my Apple TV for TV show/Movies or for apps/gaming.

Also, the idea that the 1,000+ games running on tvOS would each have a dedicated channel (or even the hundreds of game publishers, which again, is far too many steps) doesn't make sense. You would need a "channel store" (aka, app store) to pick out which games or apps you want to use. And, it would completely dilute what the purpose of channels are in the first place. Channels are for full integration of streaming shows into Apple's TV app, and Up Next. And for security, for someone who trusts Apple for payment and wants all their payments to go through Apple instead of third parties. Channels are not for games, weather, podcasts, sports scores, music, etc.

 

[Yammabot]

My Apple TV device is my only TV interface, I use it for all things tv. Not that it’s good at any one thing it’s just better than a tv box. The Apple TV app I don’t use, it’s aweful. I’ve never seen something just so unlike Apple. We need separate apps for content, putting everyone in one bucket never works and creativity is severely limited doing so. They should leave the Apple Events app where it was. Creativity no consolidation!