Charter Communications (NASDAQ:CHTR) has launched its Spectrum TV App on Apple TV. Nearly 50 million homes across Charter's footprint now have access to live channels and on-demand programs on the Spectrum TV App for Apple TV. Additionally, starting next week and expanding throughout 2019, new and existing Spectrum TV and Internet customers can get an Apple TV 4K as part of their monthly subscription for $7.50/month plus tax for 24 months.
Charter says it is the first U.S. based cable operator to offer Apple's new zero sign-on, designed to simplify signing in to video apps on Apple TV. When first set up in a Spectrum household, Apple TV 4K or Apple TV (4th generation) will detect the Spectrum customer's broadband network and automatically sign them in to the Spectrum TV App and all the supported apps they receive through their service with no need to enter a username and password.
The Spectrum TV App is also integrated with the Apple TV app and Siri, for access to content on iPhones, iPads and Apple TV. With the Apple TV app integration, customers can access on-demand programs and live sports in the Watch Now section, and add shows, movies and games to Up Next. Customers can use the Siri Remote to ask Siri to play live channels, movies or TV shows available through the Spectrum TV App on Apple TV.
"We are bringing our customers the most robust Spectrum TV App experience available today through Apple TV," said Rich DiGeronimo, Charter's executive vice president, Products and Strategy. "With features like zero sign-on and Apple TV app integration, the Spectrum TV App on Apple TV delivers the best and most seamless viewing experience, giving customers even greater choice and flexibility to enjoy Spectrum TV."
"With Spectrum TV on Apple TV 4K, customers can now enjoy the ultimate entertainment experience across their iPhone, iPad and Apple TV," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of Product Marketing. "We want to help customers get right to watching their favorite channels, shows, movies and sports, and with innovative features like zero sign-on, the Apple TV app and Siri, they are able to jump right in."
The Spectrum TV App is currently available on iPhone and iPad, and Charter is now offering iPhones to customers as part of Spectrum Mobile.
Customers need Spectrum TV and Internet service in order to use the Spectrum TV App on Apple TV and take advantage of zero sign-on. Available content, channels and offerings vary by market and depend on the customer's video subscription package. Customers can contact Charter or visit select Spectrum retail stores to get Apple TV 4K which is available for $180 plus tax.
