Plex Introduces Redesigned Apple TV App That You Can Test Right Now

[MacRumors]

In November, Plex unveiled a redesigned iPhone app with improved navigation, larger artwork, a dedicated section for media libraries, and more. The redesigned app is still in beta, and as of today it can also be tested on the Apple TV.

Apple TV users can download TestFlight from the App Store, and then install the Plex beta. Step-by-step instructions are available on Plex's website.

Plex shared some screenshots of the redesigned Apple TV app, as seen below.

Plex previously said the redesigned app would be available in early 2025, following beta testing, but it has yet to provide a more specific timeframe.

Plex is a popular video player that lets you stream your own media library on a variety of devices, and it also offers ad-supported TV shows and movies.

Article Link: Plex Introduces Redesigned Apple TV App That You Can Test Right Now

 

[ThankYouRob]

Big time Plex user here...am I missing something? Those screenshots don't look much different than what Plex currently looks like on ATV.

 

[pacmania1982]

As a long time Plex user, I truly wish they would stop messing around with the app. Over time it's become so bloated and full of 'their' junk. I don't want all the on demand stuff. I want it for my local content only.

If my TV had a native JellyFin client I'd jump immediately over to it.

 

[pacmania1982]

Big time Plex user here...am I missing something? Those screenshots don't look much different than what Plex currently looks like on ATV.

The bottom screenshot looks the most different - it has stuff across the top now rather than down the side.

 

[chenks]

remember when plex use to be about YOUR content?

i'm glad i'm in the process of moving to jellyin, and haven't used the plex app on any devices for quite some time - Infuse!

 

[chenks]

Big time Plex user here...am I missing something? Those screenshots don't look much different than what Plex currently looks like on ATV.

yes, they aren't interested in pushing your own content to be front and centre. it's now all about the VOD they want to push to you - and all the tasty data they capture from you in the process.

 

[ThankYouRob]

The bottom screenshot looks the most different - it has stuff across the top now rather than down the side.

Ahhhh yes, I see that now, thank you. They do tend to push their Plex stuff, but its easy enough to hide it all. I really don't blame them for trying to make a little $, for what a great product I personally think it is...I'm okay with it.

 

[Eurisko2]

Normally, I embrace change, but OMG I hate it. I really, really hate it. I like Apple's new Photo app better and I really hate it.

 

[chenks]

anyone who has any sense will already be using Infuse as a plex client app on apple devices.
it's infinitely better in every way, and as a bonus it actually plays content correctly, unlike the plex app with it's "fake" dolby vision.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Your own content has no money in it for them. 💰💰💰

Recommendation for owned collections: use the orange icon "Computers" app. No ads. No vod. Simple (Apple designed and works with Apple DRM'd content too) UI that harkens back to the original AppleTV UI created by the Lord Jobs...

Home sharing still "just works" and Computers brings all of the owned media together in one simple app.

In my household, Computers is the second most used app of all AppleTV apps... right behind the incredible Channels app for live & DVR television. All of the streamer options- including the AppleTV app are all well down "most popular" lists here.

 

[ultrafiel80]

I'm not usually hesitant to get new UI updates, but it will interesting to see how this fairs. My biggest concern is getting my family used to the updated UI. I also dislike the fact that the UI doesn't show the media information on the pages—such as resolution, audio type, etc. I do understand that Plex will keep pushing VOD content since that is where the money is, but I have that all turned off because like many others, I use Plex solely for my own content—I'm a user from it's inception.

We'll see how things go.

 

[Eurisko2]

I'm not usually hesitant to get new UI updates, but it will interesting to see how this fairs. My biggest concern is getting my family used to the updated UI. I also dislike the fact that the UI doesn't show the media information on the pages—such as resolution, audio type, etc. I do understand that Plex will keep pushing VOD content since that is where the money is, but I have that all turned off because like many others, I use Plex solely for my own content—I'm a user from it's inception.

We'll see how things go.

I immediately loaded it up, as I was excited to see it. The learning curve is steep, and it's hard to navigate. My Continue Watching, when I finally found it, was just for movies, couldn't figure out how to find the merged view. I know it's new, and hopefully they evolve, but I'm in the same boat with training my kids how to use this all over again.

It's really bad as it stands.

 

[apples_arrogance]

Switching to Jellyfin a while ago was a decision I am still very happy with. Feels good to have control over my own media and not being fed dark patterns. Have not looked back.

 

[pwygant]

Does this new app have any audio/video improvements that has completely killed Plex in the last 3 years on Apple TV 4K? (I had to move to Infuse for 4K because Plex just developed issues, constantly like losing audio, audio glitches, lip sync issues etc.)

 

[dylanlive]

remember when plex use to be about YOUR content?

i'm glad i'm in the process of moving to jellyin, and haven't used the plex app on any devices for quite some time - Infuse!

I can't blame them though. They need to make money to continue to fund development. The lifetime pass was basically pennies in the long run. As long as they continue to offer local options I'm fine with it.

 

[mogga71]

anyone who has any sense will already be using Infuse as a plex client app on apple devices.
it's infinitely better in every way, and as a bonus it actually plays content correctly, unlike the plex app with it's "fake" dolby vision.

100% agree with this. Infuse is the best app that runs on Apple TV full stop.

 

[chenks]

I can't blame them though. They need to make money to continue to fund development. The lifetime pass was basically pennies in the long run. As long as they continue to offer local options I'm fine with it.

the argument would that they are funding development for stuff that no-one ever asked for.
there were many threads in their forums asking for long standing bugs to be fixed, which continue to be ignored, but they have plenty development time for features that no-one wanted or asked for, but need ad supported VOD to fund it.

maybe they should have split out their business into 2 - the local only product and the feature rich VOD product.

 

[breather]

Looks nice. Im however more of a file list kind of guy. Quicker.

 

[chenks]

Switching to Jellyfin a while ago was a decision I am still very happy with. Feels good to have control over my own media and not being fed dark patterns. Have not looked back.

there's just 2 things that are stalling my complete removal of plex to jellyfin.

plex has built-in function to auto delete watched tv episodes after x days. jellyfin has no first party support for that. there is a plugin that attempts to do it, but does it in a horrible way that isn't workable for me.

it doesn't handle "specials" seasons well at all in term of incuding the episodes in "next up", you have to allow jellyfin to include them in normal seasons for it to work, which often makes no sense when a special can be years after a season has completed.

 

[DrPeril]

Ugh, why? I just want the "next episode" button back when shuffling a season or show. These frequent redesigns just frustrate grandma, they don't provide any value. Also, I really don't care about or want yet another streaming service and I'm actively annoyed about the social media style elements. It just feels bloated now...

 

[WarmWinterHat]

Your own content has no money for them in it. 💰💰💰

Recommendation for owned collections: use the orange icon "Computers" app. No ads. No vod. Simple (Apple designed and works with Apple DRM'd content too) UI that harkens back to the original AppleTV UI created by the Lord Jobs...

Home sharing still "just works" and Computers brings all of the owned media together in one simple app.

In my household, Computers is the second most used app of all AppleTV apps... right behind the incredible Channels app for live & DVR television. All of the streamer options- including the AppleTV app are all well down "most popular" lists here.

Requires a Mac be up and running all the time, doesn't work outside the household, and only works on the Apple TV. The only Mac in my home is my MacBook, and it leaves with me.

Plex and my Synology is much easier. Plex is on every platform.

 

[oRBIT2002]

People are right when Plex are getting more and more bloated. I've tried Jellyfin quite a few times during the years but since it hates subtitles (missing/wrong size...) I've always ended up with Plex anyway.

 

[Paul Shields]

Anyone who cares about video and audio playback uses Infuse. Plex **** the bed with their tvOS app years ago and I'm never going back to it. Great server though.

 

[SKeijmel]

Lol they should fix the audio out of sync **** and add lfe for stereo. Infuse is 10x better then this….

And also they still always transcoding audio…. Which is part of that problem

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Requires a Mac be up and running all the time, doesn't work outside the household, and only works on the Apple TV. The only Mac in my home is my MacBook, and it leaves with me.

Plex and my Synology is much easier. Plex is on every platform.

How does that address OPs gripes about all the advertising and VOD-pushing? It being "everywhere" means the ads and VOD pitches are everywhere too.

Otherwise, yes, those are distinct advantages. Computers (app) distinct advantages is "no marketing", plays owned Apple DRM'd content too, ultra-simple interface to all owned media types, etc.

And the storage can be on any computer- Mac or PC- including the old one that still runs that you probably own but is otherwise retired. Else, someone who truly has only 1 computer could add a dirt-cheap PC or used Mac Mini for this purpose for only a few hundred dollars... likely a lot less than a Synology (and note I own a Synology myself).

I'm not saying Computers is the ONLY choice... just that it is a good one for Apple people with AppleTVs who would like a simple UI that isn't overly focused on selling them stuff. Plex, Infuse, etc all have their place- and their fans- and anyone happy with any of them doesn't need some other option. It's those finding fault with any of them that might want to seek out an alternative that addresses their issues. Computers is one such alternative, made by Apple themselves, but often overlooked even though it's already installed on everyone's AppleTVs.

Anyone curious? Turn on Home Sharing and sample what it can do for free with your own media in Music, TV, Photos, Podcasts, etc.