Unable to Subscribe to Hulu or Disney+ on Apple’s App Store
Disney-owned platforms, including Disney+ and Hulu, have recently announced a change in their subscription sign-up process. New subscribers will no longer be able to sign up through Apple’s App Store. Instead, individuals are encouraged to visit the platforms’ browser sites and sign up directly with them. This decision was made due to Apple’s policy of taking a 30 percent cut on purchases made through iOS apps, which significantly impacts developers’ and companies’ profits, such as Disney’s.
Existing customers who have subscribed through Apple can still manage their subscriptions through the App Store. However, Hulu notes that if customers no longer wish to be billed by Apple, they will need to subscribe directly through Hulu’s website. This change means that Apple-billed subscribers will have limited options, with Hulu offering only two subscription choices through Apple: Hulu with or without ads. For Live TV and additional add-ons, customers will need to go through Hulu’s website for subscription management.
This alteration in the sign-up process coincides with price increases for Disney+ and Hulu. The price adjustments, which were announced in August, include raising the monthly cost of the ad-supported Disney+ Basic and Hulu plans to $10 from $8, and the ad-free Disney+ Premium plan to $16 from $14. Additionally, the ad-free Hulu plan now costs $20 per month, up from $18.
Apple may not be pleased with Disney’s decision to change the sign-up process, as the 30 percent cut policy has been a point of contention in the tech industry. This policy has led to various lawsuits over the years, with companies like Epic and Spotify accusing Apple of hindering third-party purchases or app store competition.
In conclusion, the shift in subscription sign-up methods for Disney-owned platforms highlights the ongoing debate surrounding app store policies and revenue sharing models within the tech industry. Customers are advised to be aware of these changes and adjust their subscription preferences accordingly to ensure a seamless viewing experience on Disney+ and Hulu.
