Warner Bros. has officially reinstated the HBO Max branding for its streaming service, a move first hinted at in May. The name change is now reflected across the streamer’s website and apps, as Max.com redirects back to hbomax.com. Both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store have been updated to show the new branding. The App Store features a simple update note stating, “Same app. New-ish name. The plot twist everyone has been waiting for: Max is now HBO Max.”
This rebranding comes after the service initially launched as HBO Max in 2020, aiming to streamline HBO’s various streaming options and provide a competitive platform against giants like Netflix and Disney Plus. The transition to “Max” in 2023 was largely criticized and has since been regarded as a significant misstep for the company.
Amid these branding changes, Warner Bros. is navigating a series of corporate transformations. The company recently merged with Discovery and is now working on a split that will see HBO and its associated movie and television studios amalgamated into one entity, while CNN, Discovery Plus, and other news and sports brands will form a separate organization.
This shift back to the original branding signifies Warner Bros.’ commitment to restoring its identity and clarifying its streaming vision for subscribers, aligning more closely with its heritage. The automatic update for existing users ensures a seamless transition, potentially reviving interest and loyalty among its audience as it works to strengthen its competitive stance in the increasingly crowded streaming market.