Disney Plus and Hulu no longer allow sign-ups through Apple

Disney Plus and Hulu subscribers using iPhones are facing a change in the way they can sign up for these streaming services. Recent support documents for both Disney Plus and Hulu now state that new and returning subscribers are no longer able to sign up through Apple. This alteration was reported by MacRumors, signaling a shift in the subscription process for these popular streaming platforms.

For individuals attempting to subscribe to Disney Plus or Hulu through their iOS devices, they will encounter a message redirecting them to the respective websites to complete the sign-up process. This adjustment means that users can no longer sign up directly through the apps on their Apple devices. The message prompts users to finalize their account setup on the Disney Plus or Hulu websites instead of through the iOS app.

The decision to discontinue sign-ups through Apple for Disney Plus and Hulu is likely a strategic move to avoid Apple’s commission on new subscription revenues. By directing users to sign up on their websites, Disney and Hulu can bypass the fees associated with in-app subscriptions on Apple devices. However, existing subscribers who signed up for these services through Apple will continue to be billed through the Apple platform.

Disney has not provided an immediate response to requests for comments regarding this change in the subscription process. This alteration follows a trend among major companies in the streaming industry, with Netflix having ceased in-app subscriptions through its iOS app back in 2018. Earlier this year, Netflix also terminated Apple billing for legacy subscribers. Similarly, Spotify does not allow users to subscribe through its iOS app, with a message inside the app acknowledging this limitation.

The shift away from in-app subscriptions on iOS devices reflects a broader trend in the industry as companies seek to control subscription revenues and avoid sharing profits with platforms like Apple. As Disney and Hulu join the ranks of companies redirecting users to their websites for sign-ups, subscribers will need to adjust to the new process for accessing these popular streaming services on their Apple devices.