Observed Signal · Jun 18, 2026 · Product Update · Source: Cord Cutters News · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Negative
Philo Offers HBO Max Standard Upgrade
Philo now lets subscribers upgrade its Bundle+ plan to HBO Max Standard, an ad-free tier, for an additional $13 per month. Bundle+ already includes access to HBO Max’s ad-supported catalog as well as AMC+ and Discovery+. Upgrading to HBO Max Standard removes ads and adds features such as live sports, Multiview, and the ability to download content for offline viewing. After adding the add-on via the Philo account Manage Plan page, users can watch HBO Max originals within the Philo app or access all ad-free HBO Max content via the HBO Max app. The Bundle+ plan with the HBO Max Standard upgrade totals $47 per month; Philo’s Essentials plan remains available at $25 per month.
Consumer-facing streaming product update with limited, localized impact on ad inventory and subscription choices; not industry-shifting.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Philo subscribers can upgrade to HBO Max Standard (ad-free) as an add-on.
- HBO Max Standard upgrade costs $13 per month.
- Bundle+ (which includes HBO Max, AMC+, and Discovery+) with the HBO Max Standard upgrade costs $47 per month total.
- Upgrading adds live sports, Multiview, and offline downloads, and enables ad-free viewing of HBO Max content.
- Philo Essentials plan costs $25 per month and includes 70+ live channels, 80,000+ on-demand titles, and unlimited DVR.
Connected Companies & Entities
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Related Market Signals & Shifts
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Discovery+ Integrated into Philo App for Bundle+
Philo announced that, beginning August 11, 2026, its Bundle+ subscribers can browse and stream Discovery+ content directly inside the Philo app without a separate sign-in or app. Philo is also offering a Discovery+ ad-free upgrade for $8/month through its website. The Bundle+ plan costs $33/month and includes access to HBO Max and AMC+; Philo also offers a $25/month Essential plan and a free streaming tier with optional free-account features such as unlimited 30-day DVR. The update consolidates Discovery+ content (HGTV, Food Network, TLC, ID, OWN, Animal Planet, etc.) into Philo’s unified app experience for eligible subscribers.
HBO Max 40% Off Annual Plans Summer Deal
HBO Max launched a summer promotion on June 19, 2026, offering new and returning U.S. subscribers 40% off one-year subscriptions to its Basic With Ads, Standard, and Premium plans. The discount is available when subscribing directly via HBO Max, Prime Video Channels, or The Roku Channel and runs through July 15, 2026. First-year prices for the discounted annual plans are $78.99 (Basic With Ads), $132.99 (Standard), and $164.99 (Premium). The article also highlights plan feature differences (device counts, download limits, 4K/Dolby Atmos on Premium) and notes upcoming HBO content such as the DC series Lanterns.
No App Switching Necessary: Bundle+ Subscribers Can Now Stream discovery+’s Library Directly in the Philo App
Starting now, Bundle+ subscribers can browse and stream discovery+ programming directly inside the Philo app, no separate sign-in or second app required. We’re also introducing a discovery+ Ad-Free upgrade for $8/month, available through Philo.com, for anyone who wants to watch without interruption.
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