This Easter weekend, Apple distributed the third beta version of a new iOS 12.3 update to its global team of developers – a month after releasing iOS 12.2, which brought us new Animoji and, of course, Apple News+.
If you are a registered developer, you can download the latest beta version over-the-air or from the company’s Developer Centre, provide the correct configuration profile from the Developer Centre has been installed.
iOS 12.3 brings an updated TV app with a fresh appearance and upgraded functionality. While “Up Next” and “Watch Now” still form the core of tracking what you’re viewing, Apple has introduced a machine-learning based recommendation system to suggest TV shows based on your past viewing patterns and preferences.
The app now also features sections for TV shows, movies and content for children – and the iOS version boasts a bottom bar for Search, Library and Watch Now.
The updated TV app also introduces a Channels feature, where you can watch paid content – for example, you can sign up for your favorite Showtime show directly from the app without having to exit first.
A few of the new channels that will be on offer include Comedy Central Now, The History Channel Vault, Mubi, Nickelodeon, HBO, Showtime, Starz, and CBS All Access. In the latest beta version, however, users can only sign up for Starz, Showtime, EPIX, Smithsonian, and Tastemade.
Users still receive recommendations for services that do not form part of Channels, but they will have to view non-channel shows in a separate app. The TV app also accommodates iTunes television shows and movies.
When Apple’s TV+ service is launched this autumn, all of its original television movies and shows will be accessible via the TV app. The final version of iOS 12.3 should be ready to launch in May, when the new TV app is released.