Sky, the leading UK media and telecommunications provider owned by American conglomerate Comcast, has confirmed it will discontinue the NOW streaming service on multiple older set-top boxes and mobile devices that customers previously purchased to access television content. The changes will take effect in stages beginning in mid-July 2026, leaving many households without the ability to stream live channels, on-demand shows, sports, and movies through their existing hardware, according to the UK cord-cutting website Cord Busters.
The primary hardware affected includes several Roku-based streaming players that Sky once sold under the NOW TV brand as affordable options for connecting to televisions. From August 3, 2026, the NOW app will no longer function on the original NOW TV Smart Box model 4500SK, the Roku Streaming Stick 3500X, and older Roku box models 2700X, 2710X, and 2720X. These devices were popular entry points for viewers seeking flexible access to Sky’s streaming offerings without a full satellite installation. Their retirement follows Roku’s own decision to withdraw platform support from earlier generations of its equipment, which in turn forces applications built on that foundation to pull back services.
A separate cutoff will impact mobile users starting in mid-July 2026. The NOW app will stop working on older iPhones and iPads running iOS 15 or earlier versions that can no longer receive security or feature updates. This includes the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, and the first-generation iPhone SE released in 2016. Owners of these devices will lose mobile access to their subscriptions on those specific handsets once the deadline passes.
Sky had actively marketed and sold these dedicated streaming boxes in previous years as convenient, low-cost solutions for households wanting on-demand entertainment and selected live channels. Production of proprietary NOW hardware largely ceased in 2021 as the company shifted emphasis toward software applications that could run across a wider range of third-party smart televisions, streaming sticks, games consoles, and mobile phones. The latest moves represent a continuation of that long-term transition away from maintaining support for aging dedicated players.
Customers who bought the affected boxes years ago will find themselves unable to use the NOW service on those units after the respective dates. While the physical hardware may still power on and run other unrelated applications, its original purpose for delivering Sky content will end. This situation affects subscribers who chose the hardware route for its simplicity and lower upfront cost compared with upgrading an entire television setup. The loss of access could disrupt regular viewing routines, especially for those who rely on the service for specific sports coverage or series libraries.
Sky is directing affected customers toward several upgrade paths to restore access. These include purchasing current-generation streaming devices from other manufacturers, using built-in smart television applications where available, or switching to web browser access on computers and newer phones or tablets. Newer Roku models remain compatible, as do certain other popular streaming sticks and consoles. For iPhone users on unsupported older models, moving to a device capable of running iOS 16 or later versions would allow continued app use, though many households already have multiple compatible screens in the home.
The decisions align with broader industry patterns in which technology platforms evolve quickly and companies prioritize resources for newer hardware that supports higher resolution streaming, improved interfaces, and stronger security. Comcast’s ownership of Sky since 2018 has placed increasing focus on digital and streaming growth in Europe, encouraging customers to adopt more capable equipment as part of ongoing service modernization. Previous generations of NOW boxes were retired in earlier years for similar technical reasons, showing a consistent approach to phasing out legacy products.
Viewers across the UK are being encouraged to check their current devices against compatibility lists provided by Sky and NOW well before the deadlines. Planning upgrades in advance can prevent any gaps in service, particularly around popular programming periods. Affordable modern alternatives are widely available through retailers, and many newer televisions now include native support for the NOW app without requiring additional boxes. The changes highlight how streaming services continue to move away from dedicated hardware sales toward flexible app-based delivery that works across everyday consumer electronics already present in most homes.
Overall, the withdrawal of support for these older streaming players marks another step in the evolution of Sky’s offerings under Comcast. While it requires some customers to adapt their setups, the company maintains that the core NOW service remains fully available through a growing range of supported devices and platforms. Households impacted by the upcoming cutoffs have a clear window to explore options and maintain uninterrupted access to the entertainment and sports content they value.
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