You can no longer join for Disney Plus and Hulu sign-ups through Apple App Store. As of now, Apple users can’t subscribe to these services via in-app purchases on their iPhones or iPads. Apple users will have to change the way they pay for Disney Plus and Hulu. Users have to go directly to Disney or Hulu’s websites to subscribe since in-app sign-ups are no longer available. Once subscribed, they can still watch content through Apple apps by logging in.
As part of a broader strategy to retain more revenue, Disney can avoid Apple’s fees on in-app transactions. Users can also subscribe through Disney’s website or other supported platforms, such as Roku or smart TVs, or keep using their existing Apple apps. Let’s break down to this news more – Disney Plus and Hulu sign-ups through Apple App Store no longer available.
Why Disney is Pulling the Plug?
Apple’s 30% commission on in-app purchases made Disney stop allowing Disney Plus and Hulu to be signed up through the App Store. Apple takes up a lot of the subscription revenue when users sign up through them. Disney can keep more of the subscription money they earn if they pull the plug on this option. As companies look to retain more revenue from their services, this move is on the rise.
It’s not the first time companies have made similar decisions. In the past, Netflix and Spotify also made this kind of decision. To avoid Apple’s high commission fees, they, too, stopped allowing in-app signups. These companies get more control over their earnings when users sign up through web browsers or other non-Apple platforms. Even though consumers have to pay the same amount to subscribe outside of the App Store, the overall service is the same.
With this strategy, companies are less reliant on Apple’s billing system and can keep their subscriptions profitable.
How Changes Affect Disney Plus and Hulu Users
Impact on Current and Future Subscribers
If you’re already a Disney Plus or Hulu subscriber, these changes won’t affect your account. Your subscription will remain active, so you can keep enjoying the same benefits. However, new subscribers won’t be able to sign up through Apple’s iPhone or iPad services like the App Store. You can’t use Apple’s one-click subscription for these streaming platforms anymore. If you’re planning to subscribe, you’ll have to find another way.
Alternative Ways to Subscribe
New users who want to join Disney Plus or Hulu can easily sign up via a web browser or other non-Apple platforms. Here’s a simple guide to help you:
1. Visit Disney Plus or Hulu’s Official Websites:
- For Disney Plus: Disney Plus Official Site
- For Hulu: Hulu Official Site
2. Follow the Sign-up Process:
- Click on “Sign Up” on the homepage.
- Enter your email address, create a password, and select your desired subscription plan.
3. Payment Methods:
- You can use credit cards or PayPal to complete the payment.
- If you want an alternative to Apple billing, Hulu also offers subscriptions through Amazon or Spotify bundles.
It’s only going to affect new sign-ups through Apple. Billing and access to existing accounts will not be disrupted for existing Apple iPhone or iPad users.
How This Affects the Industry
Impact on Apple:
Apple’s App Store has traditionally generated significant revenue through commissions on in-app purchases. However, major streaming services like Spotify and Netflix have moved away from using Apple’s billing system to avoid the 15-30% commission fee Apple charges. This shift means Apple loses out on a portion of its revenue from these large platforms, potentially affecting its overall profitability. The long-term impact could be seen in more apps leaving, leading to a decline in App Store revenues.
Growing Trend Among Tech Giants
This move is part of a growing trend where companies are pushing back against the high commission fees imposed by Apple and Google. Many tech giants are now opting for direct payment systems to avoid app store commissions, increasing the pressure on these platforms to lower their fees. In some cases, they’ve taken legal action or explored alternative app distribution methods to avoid the commissions altogether.
What’s Next for Disney, Hulu, and Apple?
Disney recently bought out Comcast’s stake in Hulu. This could change its streaming plans and affect its relationship with Apple. Now that Disney fully controls Hulu, it might adjust Hulu’s prices to compete with other services like Apple TV+. These changes could also influence how Disney attracts new users.
Apple may respond by lowering in-app commission fees. This is because Disney’s move could pressure Apple to keep its partnerships strong with big content providers like Disney.
Some think Apple users might find it easier to pay using Apple Pay for streaming apps. This could help users avoid extra fees linked to in-app purchases. Apple already has policies allowing apps to direct users to outside payment methods, which could grow as the market changes.
Summary: Disney Plus and Hulu Sign-Ups Through Apple App Store No Longer Available
Stopping Disney Plus and Hulu sign-ups through Apple App Store is a big change for the streaming industry. Over time, this could change how streaming services work with big platforms like Apple. By avoiding high fees, companies can make more money, but users might find the process less convenient. This also shows how tech companies want more control over payments, which could change how digital platforms work in the future.