Unable to Sign Up and Pay for Disney+ and Hulu Through App Store

Disney has recently made a significant move in its streaming services strategy, opting to cut out the middleman and sell its services directly to customers. Following recent price increases, Disney has decided to eliminate in-app purchase billing through the App Store for both Disney+ and Hulu. This means that customers will now need to use Disney’s website to pay for these services instead of going through Apple’s platform and incurring the 30 percent fee charged by Apple for facilitating the transactions.

By bypassing the App Store for subscription payments, Disney aims to retain more revenue by avoiding the fees associated with using Apple’s payment system. While this move may seem advantageous for Disney, it also means that customers will have to manage their subscriptions directly through Disney’s platforms. Despite the potential inconvenience for customers, this shift could lead to a more streamlined payment process and potentially enhanced data security by centralizing payment information.

The decision to move away from App Store billing reflects Disney’s focus on maximizing its revenue streams and reducing dependency on third-party platforms for subscription management. While this change may inconvenience some users who are accustomed to the convenience of in-app purchases, it aligns with Disney’s broader strategy of direct-to-consumer sales and control over its services.

Existing Apple-billed subscribers for Disney+ and Hulu will not be affected by this change and can continue to manage their subscriptions through Apple’s settings. However, new and returning subscribers will no longer have the option to sign up or pay for these services through the App Store. Both Disney and Hulu have updated their websites to reflect these changes, emphasizing the shift towards direct payment methods.

It’s worth noting that neither Disney+ nor Hulu will be part of Apple’s Video Partner Program, which previously offered reduced App Store fees and promotional support through Apple’s services like Siri and Universal Search. While this exclusion may limit the visibility of Disney’s streaming platforms within the Apple ecosystem, it underscores Disney’s commitment to establishing direct relationships with its customers and maintaining control over its subscription services.