The Apple TV app now looks more like an all-purpose streaming hub

Apple rolled out a revamped Apple TV app as a part of its suite of new software releases on Monday. The tvOS 17.2 update includes a new sidebar for the TV app, which is designed to better showcase non-Apple TV Plus offerings and let users easily jump to other Apple content like MLS Season Pass. It also makes for a quick shortcut to apps like Disney Plus, Max, Prime Video, or Apple’s store, where you can purchase or rent digital titles to stream.

Prior to the update, it was easy for live sports and other streaming sources to get buried under Apple’s TV Plus original programming. The new interface does more to highlight this third-party content, which is part of the tech giant’s rumored plan to make the Apple TV app a streaming hub for everything, not just Apple TV Plus. 

Another change is for Apple’s iTunes apps, which will now suggest shopping on Apple TV’s storefront whenever users try to purchase a film or TV show. Starting Monday, the iTunes Store app for iPad and iPhone will point you toward the Apple TV iOS app. If you try to use the iTunes TV Shows or iTunes Movies apps on their Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD streaming devices, you’ll be directed to the Apple TV app’s store. 

The Store tab now serves as a one-stop shop for video on-demand in the Apple TV app, allowing users to rent or purchase films and shows, as well as sign-up for third-party streaming services. From the library section in the app, users can find all their purchased movies and shows. 

The new Apple TV app also includes a Home section, which serves as kind of a homepage for all of the things you can watch in the app. Users can browse through collections like New Shows & Movies, Top Charts, Trending, and For You, a selection of shows and films tailored to each user.