Disney+ no longer accepts user subscriptions through the App Store. This change also applies to Hulu. Instead, Disney and Hulu redirect users to their respective websites to sign up for a subscription.
The move is about commission fees, not technology.
Disney joins Netflix and Spotify in dropping App Store signups
Apple gets a 30% commission every time an iPhone or iPad user signs up for a subscription through the App Store. Some services offset the commission by charging higher prices for customers who subscribe through the App Store. Netflix and Spotify are two popular services that do not accept new signups through their iPhone or iPad apps. Instead, users must visit the website and subscribe directly.
Disney+ and Hulu updated their respective support pages to highlight this change. The pages note that new and returning subscribers cannot sign up for the services through Apple. However, this change won’t affect existing subscribers. So, if you are paying for Disney+ or Hulu through the App Store, it will continue for now.
In March 2022, Apple made a significant change to the App Store’s policy, allowing ‘reader’ apps like Netflix and Spotify to link to their websites. This enabled these services to redirect users to their websites to acquire new signups.
MacRumors notes that this change from Disney+ will make it ineligible for Apple’s Video Partner Program. So, you won’t be able to enjoy Disney+ and Hulu integration in Siri, AirPlay and Universal Search.
Disney+ and Hulu got a price hike recently
Interestingly, this change from Disney+ and Hulu comes as their latest price hikes went into effect. Starting October 17, Disney+ became expensive by $2, while Hulu got a price bump of $1 to $2. The service also started a crackdown on password-sharing in late September.
These moves from Disney will help boost its overall margins, even though some users might not convert due to the lack of an App Store subscription option.
