Hulu and Disney+ no longer available for sign-up on App Store
In a recent move, Disney has made the decision to discontinue allowing customers to purchase subscriptions for Hulu or Disney+ through Apple’s App Store. This change was brought to light by a Reddit user who discovered the updated language on the help centers for both Hulu and Disney+ over the weekend. The streaming services clarified that while existing subscribers will not be impacted, new and returning subscribers will need to seek alternative methods to initiate a new subscription or reactivate an old one.
According to the streaming platforms, new and returning subscribers are no longer able to sign up and pay for Hulu/Disney+ through Apple. However, they can still sign up directly on Hulu.com/DisneyPlus.com and access the content on supported Apple devices. This alteration does not affect current Apple-billed subscribers. By eliminating the option to subscribe through iOS apps, Disney is able to avoid paying Apple a fee of 15% or 30% for every in-app purchase, including recurring subscriptions.
This shift mirrors similar strategies adopted by other major services in recent years. For instance, Netflix ceased offering subscriptions through its iOS app back in 2018 and even required some App Store subscribers to update their payment methods earlier this year. Amazon also follows a similar approach by not permitting customers to purchase books through its Kindle app, necessitating users to use a browser for transactions.
Interestingly, this change coincides with the recent price increases for both Hulu and Disney+. The timing of these adjustments suggests a broader strategy by Disney to optimize revenue streams and potentially reduce costs associated with third-party platforms. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, these decisions reflect the competitive nature of the industry and the ongoing efforts of companies to maximize profitability and streamline user experiences.
In conclusion, Disney’s decision to halt subscription purchases through Apple’s App Store marks a strategic shift in its distribution model, aligning with industry trends and aiming to enhance operational efficiency and financial performance.