According to The Verge, HBO is working to correct “can’t play title” errors that some users have experienced in the HBO Max app for Apple TV.
The problem, which many users have reported, appears to affect all models of Apple TV 4K running tvOS 16.1. The most recent version of the HBO Max app, 52.50.1, was released on November 16.
It appears not related to another known issue “HBO Max Can’t Verify Your Subscription”, which has also been reported by lots of users during the year. The question of how to fix HBO max login issues still stands and will probably require more software updates.
While some users have encountered the issue sporadically, others can only stream content with playback issues. Some people have discovered workarounds, such as forcing the app to close, logging out of the app, reinstalling it, or restarting their Apple TV.
According to Chris Willard, SVP of communications at HBO, they are aware of the problems. They are working on a solution to be formed into a future app update.
In the meantime, HBO Max customer service advises switching from 4K to 1080p or 720p and disabling HDR support (in Settings -> Video and Audio, change the Format to SDR, and disable the Match Content, Match Dynamic Range, and Match Frame Rate options).
