HBO Max Bug Prevents iOS Users From Using AirPods

Update: An update has been released for the HBO Max app that corrects this issue, according to a statement from the company. 

A bug in the latest HBO Max app for iOS is preventing people from watching while using AirPods. This is not the first time the HBO Max app for Apple devices has encountered issues. For example, the Apple TV version of the app featured a bug earlier in the year that prevented it from performing basic functions, such as seeking forward or rewinding.

Bugs aside, HBO Max has a great library of original content as well as a back catalog of general content. The service costs $14.99 per month for the ad-free version or $9.99 each month with ads. However, it’s a bit more complicated than that, as the ad-free version has also been providing access to Warner Bros. movies as they’re released in theaters throughout 2021. In addition, the cheaper plan does limit the user to 1080p HD and doesn’t support offline downloading.

The latest version of the HBO Max app for iPhone and iPad (v. 50.60.0) currently seems to prevent users from playing anything when they have AirPods connected. As reported by Tom’s Guide, when AirPods are connected, the user will see a message that reads, “streaming to another display.” It would seem the app thinks that streaming audio to the AirPods is the same as streaming video to another device. Tom’s Guide reached out to HBO Max and confirmed the service is aware of the issue and that the current solution is to, “stream without headphones.” Fortunately, the rep did also say that HBO Max is working to get an update out to the App Store as soon as possible.

The Only Solution Is To Wait

As is the case with all software, bugs happen. Though, app-breaking bugs like this that prevent the user from performing basic actions are quite rare. While it’s great that an update will be out soon to resolve the issue, it’s strange that such a bug can make it past testing and released to the App Store in the first place.

Of course, one solution is to simply play HBO Max from a web browser or on a TV. Although not ideal, it is at least a way to continue using AirPods while watching. Using headphones that aren’t AirPods, or using the iPhone or iPad’s built-in speakers is another option. However, if AirPods are the only headphones available, and the user does not want to listen through the speakers, the only option right now is to wait for the next HBO Max iOS update to land on the App Store.

Source: Tom’s Guide

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