Today, Apple released the round of updates that it"s been beta testing since March, including iOS 12.3, macOS 10.12.5, watchOS 5.2.1, and tvOS 12.3. As indicated by the version number, watchOS 5.2.1 includes only fixes, but the rest of them do add some functionality.
With macOS 10.14.5 Mojave and iOS 12.3, users can now use AirPlay 2 to play content on Samsung smart TVs, with support for TVs from Vizio, LG, and Sony coming later on this year.
More notable than the macOS update are iOS 12.3 and tvOS 12.3, which include the new TV app. The update to Apple TV includes support for Channels, meaning that you can now subscribe to services directly through the app. These include services like HBO, Starz, Showtime, Smithsonian Channel, EPIX, Tastemade, MTV Hits, and more.
You can also easily share your subscriptions, using Family Sharing. That means that up to six people can use your subscription to HBO without you having to give away your password.
Apple also noted in its press release that you can download content from these services for offline viewing, and that"s kind of a big deal. While other streaming services like Amazon and Hulu offer access to channels like HBO, you can"t download HBO content. Apple TV is the only place where you can do that now.
There"s a new Kids section, which will show recommendations for children. Apple says that the content is "editorially handpicked", so you won"t end up with inappropriate content.
iOS 12.3, macOS 10.14.5, watchOS 5.2.1, and tvOS 12.3 are all available now. The new TV app is available for iOS devices and all Apple TV units from the third generation (yes, there was also an update for third-gen Apple TVs) and up, and it will be coming to the Mac later this year.