Upcoming Changes for HBO Max Legacy Ad-Free Subscribers: 4K Streaming Discontinuation

Upcoming Changes for HBO Max Legacy Ad-Free Subscribers: 4K Streaming Discontinuation 

HBO MAX

In a little over a month, legacy HBO Max subscribers who have been enjoying ad-free streaming will soon experience a change in their subscription benefits, most notably, the loss of 4K streaming. Subscribers who are currently on ad-free plans have recently received emails notifying them that, as of December 5th, they will no longer have access to 4K streaming.

This move comes after Warner Bros. Discovery, the company behind HBO Max, had initially assured existing subscribers that they could continue to enjoy their current plan's features when the service was rebranded as "Max" back in May. However, this transitional period is coming to an end. After December 5th, legacy subscribers seeking to retain 4K streaming will need to switch to Max's Ultimate Ad-Free tier, which costs $20 per month, up from the existing $16-a-month subscription plan.

The Ultimate Ad-Free tier was introduced when HBO Max was launched, offering users access to an extensive library of 4K movies and TV show episodes, some of which support Dolby Atmos and Vision. Subscribers who opt to maintain their legacy plan will be limited to Full HD resolution. Additionally, legacy subscribers will have their concurrent streaming reduced from three devices to two, aligning them with the new Max Ad Free tier, which is priced the same at $16.

While the Ultimate Ad Free subscription comes at a higher cost than the regular ad-free subscription, it offers the advantage of streaming on up to four devices simultaneously, in addition to access to 4K content. This change in subscription pricing will result in a minimal increase in yearly expenses for Max subscribers who opt for the Ultimate Ad Free tier.

Max also provides a $10-a-month ad-supported tier for users who don't mind occasional interruptions by commercials in their viewing experience. These adjustments reflect HBO Max's efforts to align its offerings and cater to a diverse range of user preferences and budget constraints.