Apple TV4K Airplay HBO Max failure

I am using an Apple TV4K (latest model) TVOS 26.5, latest version. I am using AirPlay connected to a stereo pair of HomePod minis for my audio output. All is well with the setup except for HBO Max will not properly playback through the current setup. All my other services work as they should. Netflix, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube TV playback just swell. HBO Max, used to function properly, but is a now a total failure. I read somewhere, Reddit maybe, that HBO audio is less than unless one springs for 'Premium' service. Then maybe it will work properly. I was wondering if anyone else has this problem? And if so, how did you manage to fix it? As you might imagine, HBO tech help was not helpful. Thanks.

Apple TV 4K, tvOS 26

Posted on Jul 3, 2026 12:07 PM

Top-ranking reply

rjldubois

Level 3

698 points

Posted on Jul 3, 2026 1:05 PM

Hello CharlieXrayDelta, and welcome to the Apple Support Community.

Since Netflix, Apple TV+, Prime Video, and YouTube TV all work correctly with your Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini stereo pair, the issue is unlikely to be with AirPlay, tvOS, or your HomePod setup. It appears to be specific to the Max (HBO Max) app.

Here are a few steps you can try:

Restart your Apple TV and both HomePod minis.
Make sure tvOS and the Max app are fully up to date.
Go to Settings > Video and Audio > Audio Output and temporarily switch from the HomePod stereo pair to your TV speakers. If Max works normally, this helps isolate the issue to the app’s interaction with the HomePod audio output.
Delete and reinstall the Max app, then sign in again.
If the problem only affects Max while all other streaming apps work correctly, it’s likely an app-specific compatibility issue that should be reported to Max Support.

The information you read on Reddit regarding the Premium subscription is not an Apple requirement. Audio playback through AirPlay or HomePod should not depend on the subscription tier alone.

Helpful links:

Use HDMI ARC or eARC with your Apple TV 4K - Apple Support

Change audio settings on Apple TV 4K - Apple Support

Could you let us know whether the issue affects audio only, video only, or both? Also, does Max work correctly if you use your TV speakers instead of the HomePod stereo pair? That will help determine whether this is an app-specific audio routing issue.

Please let us know the outcome.

Your feedback may also help other members of the Apple Support Community experiencing the same issue.

🙏🏻

Have a great day.

And one more thing…

Never forget to think different.



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40 replies

Krevi

Level 1

26 points

Jul 7, 2026 5:22 PM in response to rjldubois

I’m experiencing the exact same issue. Initially, I assumed it was an issue with my end and tried all possible solutions within my reach. I restarted the app, deleted it, and even changed the output settings. However, it appears to be a specific problem with the HBO Max app. It used to function perfectly two weeks ago, but now it’s not working.

Jul 9, 2026 12:22 PM in response to CharlieXrayDelta

I'm not happy to hear that others have the same problem, but at least I know that my issue is not isolated. I got a bunch of suggestions from HBO Max, but haven't tried them all yet. I can watch a lot of them on YouTube TV rather than the HBO Max app and actually hear the sound, but still you wonder 'Why am I paying for something that doesn't work?'. But The other apps work, so maybe if enough of us complain they will fix their app?

Jul 9, 2026 1:05 PM in response to CharlieXrayDelta

Same issue and I’ve noticed two things: 1) the HBO Max app doesn’t show up in the list of apps in the AppleTV settings, and 2) the volume indicator bar doesn’t appear when when trying to adjust the volume within the app.

Jul 10, 2026 6:43 AM in response to Glynster

Hmmm… two days ago they told me it was a known issue, and by then I was dealing with it since Monday. How can a major entertainment company allow something this serious not to be resolved for 5 days. This should have been dealt with overnight.

Glynster

Level 1

16 points

Jul 10, 2026 5:26 AM in response to mikiyakim

Exactly the same issue here.

All streaming apps on Apple TV work with Airplay to send audio to my hifi streamer, except HBO Max. Just had. chat with HBO support. They said it would be escalated to technical team and they would get back to me....

Heathree

Level 1

10 points

Jul 12, 2026 12:33 AM in response to CharlieXrayDelta

I am having the same issue as well. It does have sound from the TV speakers, but not my HomePod Mini. Also after the episode has been watched it’s not marking it automatically and popping up the next episode.

TomHolc

Level 1

10 points

Jul 14, 2026 3:06 PM in response to CharlieXrayDelta

I am also having this problem. It’s very recent. I do believe it was working fine. The last time I watched House of the Dragon but today – no Sonos sound.

It’s definitely the app. I do have another app that behaves this way, but it always has behaved this way and I have to admit I’ve not complained to the MasterClass people about it yet.

mainly because I usually watch MasterClass on my phone anyway

Jul 15, 2026 11:44 AM in response to TheRealMrT1

I have the very same issue. worked just fine a month ago porting audio to stereo pair homepods on apple tv. then had to log in again recently for Max and no audio. now can only watch Max with tv speakers. did all of the steps to solve the issue and no go.

Jul 16, 2026 11:38 AM in response to TomHolc

I first posted about this on 03 July, so if the update was 13 July and it didn't fix it, it was already broken before the update. But thanks for the update because, if, as you say they are aware and are working to repair. Fingers crossed.

TomHolc

Level 1

10 points

Jul 19, 2026 4:19 AM in response to neilfromnewryz

It’s interesting to me that yours has been out for so long. I have been happily hearing The Pitt and House Of the Dragon just fine through my Sonos system via AirPlay up until the most recent episodes.

TomHolc

Level 1

10 points

Jul 30, 2026 7:10 AM in response to Cachi

I totally agree. This is what happens when these companies get so big. Our little problem doesn’t really get their attention. All we can do is vote with our wallets and our opinions. Them telling us what we should be happy with is unacceptable

Cachi

Level 1

57 points

Jul 9, 2026 8:34 AM in response to CharlieXrayDelta

Same issue, it’s so weird.

Works with everything else but not with HBO Max with Apple TV A1625 and tvOS 26.6 and HomePod mini 26.5

Jul 9, 2026 10:20 PM in response to CharlieXrayDelta

I have the same issue.

First I thought it a problem with my SONOS, but then I noticed that on every other streaming app, the airPlay working fine. It's just with HBO MAX through Apple TV.

mde1

Level 1

47 points

Jul 11, 2026 8:33 PM in response to CharlieXrayDelta

I read that it may be due to digital rights management. Super frustrating. After spending the last 2 hours troubleshooting, I found this thread.

TomHolc

Level 1

10 points

Jul 16, 2026 11:52 AM in response to TheRealMrT1

I see. Cool. I still believe they are working on it. We won’t get a fix until they release a new version so I’m gonna watch that version number and hope to see it inch up very very soon.

Apple TV4K Airplay HBO Max failure