Disney+ and Hulu no longer available for sign-up and payment through App Store

Disney has recently made a significant move regarding its streaming services, Disney+ and Hulu, by cutting out the middleman and discontinuing in-app purchases through the App Store. This decision comes on the heels of recent price hikes, as Disney aims to streamline its revenue streams and reduce costs associated with third-party platforms.

By eliminating in-app purchases through the App Store, Disney no longer has to pay the 30 percent fee to Apple for facilitating transactions. While this move may appear monopolistic within Apple’s ecosystem, it allows Disney to have more control over the billing process and customer data security. Customers will now need to visit Disney’s website directly to subscribe and pay for Disney+ and Hulu services.

Existing subscribers who currently pay for Disney+ or Hulu through Apple will not be affected by this change and can continue managing their accounts through Apple’s Subscription settings. However, new and returning subscribers will no longer have the option to sign up and pay for these services via the App Store. Both Disney and Hulu websites have been updated to reflect these alterations.

For Apple-billed subscribers who wish to update their payment information or switch to direct billing through Disney+ or Hulu, the process can be done through iTunes on a computer or iOS device. This change also means that Disney+ and Hulu will not be part of Apple’s Video Partner Program, which offered reduced App Store fees and promotional support through Siri and Universal Search.

Despite these adjustments, users can still access and enjoy Disney+ and Hulu content on Apple devices as before. The shift away from in-app purchases highlights Disney’s strategic focus on enhancing direct customer relationships and optimizing revenue streams. The company’s decision underscores the evolving landscape of digital content distribution and the importance of direct-to-consumer models in the streaming industry.