5 things to know about the move from HBO to Max in Spain

The wait is coming to an end. In just a few hours, HBO Max will become Max in Spain and other European markets. A change that will align the content offered with that already available in the US and Latin America, where the transition to the new service was previously made.

The transition from HBO Max to Max will not only affect the name or visual design of the streaming platform. Catalog available will be significantly expanded and will bring some new things. In addition, Max will be in Spain to provide full coverage of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, which start at the end of July.

If you’re still hesitant about switching from HBO Max to Max, don’t worry. Below we collect 5 things you need to know about landing this new offering in the content and entertainment space.

When Max is activated in Spain

HBO Max will become Max in Spain from Tuesday 21 May. From this date, both new and existing users will find that the platform will have an aesthetic that will feature blue as the dominant color instead of the previously signature purple.

If you’ve previously used HBO Max, the experience using the web version and apps on mobile or other devices won’t change much. Recommended content will appear on the home screen, and the entire catalog will be easily accessible from the search engine. In addition, you can quickly filter titles into four subsections: “Series”, “Movies”, “HBO” and “Children and Family”.

With the launch of Max, users in Spain will be able to view an expanded content offering. Therefore they will also be included quick entry channels to the various components of the Max Universe. These are: HBO, Max Originals, DC, Discovery, Cartoon Network, etc.

In addition to Spain, Max will debut in Portugal, Central and Eastern Europe and the Nordic countries on May 21. Later it will be the turn of Poland, the Netherlands, France and Belgium, the company said in March last year.

Do I need to do anything to switch from HBO Max to the new service?

If you already have an HBO Max account, the platform will automatically transfer it to Max, unless you cancel your subscription by May 21st. If you choose to remain in the service, from that date you will continue to have access using your existing login details (email address and password).

An important point to note for Max users in Spain is that when transferring from HBO Max, the created profiles, lists and play history will be retained. However, personalized profile photos and content downloaded for offline viewing will be lost. It’s worth noting that all existing HBO Max users will be upgraded to the standard Max plan.

As for the different platforms the service will be available on, some will see more noticeable changes than others. The web version of HBO Max will automatically redirect to the new URL (max.com), so if the link is saved as a favorite in your browser, you won’t need to change it.

The situation will be different with mobile applications and other platforms. When you sign into the old HBO Max app, you will be prompted to download the new Max app. Of course, keep in mind that, at least on Android and Google TV, the Max app doesn’t overwrite the HBO Max app. This way, you will still see both options on your devices.

How the Max catalog is changing in Spain

As we noted earlier, the big news about the launch of Max in Spain is the expansion of the content offering compared to HBO Max. This is due to the fact that the proposals corresponding Discovery+ and Eurosport.

That is why programs and productions from Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, TLC and Discovery Channel will begin appearing on the streaming platform. Eurosport 1 and Eurosport 2 signals will be available as part of the sports add-on, which must be purchased separately from the Standard or Premium plan.

This content will accompany other Warner Bros. offerings. Discovery’s catalog including HBO and Max original productions, DC series and films, and franchises. Harry Potterhighlighting the most important ones.

It should also be emphasized that Max will be responsible for complete lighting 2024 Olympic Games in Paris for Spain, which will be available for all tariff plans. As for the sporting addition, it will include access to top-level events such as Roland Garros, Vuelta a España, Tour de France and 24 Hours of Le Mans, to name a few. It’s also worth remembering that Max will have exclusive rights to the UFC in Spain.

What are the prices for the plans?

Max’s landing in Spain on March 21 suggests two plans: Standard And Premiumplus what has already been mentioned Sports supplement. Other regions have a basic ad-supported subscription, but it’s not coming to the Spanish market yet.

In fact, in March it was confirmed that the first European countries to receive this low-cost alternative will be Belgium, France, Poland, Romania, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway. It remains to be seen whether the Max ad-supported plan will ever launch in Spain. It was recently revealed that advertising can appear at events that are broadcast live.

As for prices, the available options will be as follows:

• Standard plan: Full HD (1080p) content with up to 30 downloads for offline viewing and playback on two devices simultaneously. Includes coverage of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. It costs €9.99 per month or €99.90 per year..
• Premium plan: 4K UHD content with Dolby Atmos support (subject to availability). Allows you to download up to 100 files for offline playback and supports viewing on 4 devices simultaneously. Includes coverage of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. It costs €13.99 per month or €139 per year..
• Sports supplement: Requires a Standard or Premium subscription and includes Eurosport 1 and Eurosport 2 signals, as well as other sporting events such as Roland Garros, Vuelta a España, 24 Hours of Le Mans and UFC. Playback of this content will be limited to two devices at a time. Cost of the sports package 5 euros per month and is added to the cost of the Standard or Premium subscription, depending on which one the user has signed up for.

What happens to the 50% discount when the Max launches in Spain?

This is by far the most important question about the transition from HBO Max to Max in Spain. Many users have 50% discount for life in the cost of a subscription and wonder if they will lose it if they switch to a new platform.

The reality is that it is possible to keep this discount if you meet one condition. If your subscription is 50% off, you can continue to use it only unless you switch to another plan.

So, if you have a lifetime benefit that allows you to pay half the fees of the standard plan, you must remain in the specified subscription. If you upgrade to a Premium plan, you will lose it and have to pay the full price. However, it is important to clarify that this will not happen if you enter into a contract for a sports supplement; That is, you will continue to pay 50% for the standard plan and add 5 euros per month for watching sports events.