**Disney+ and Hulu Discontinue Subscription Purchases via Apple’s App Store: Key Information**
In a trend that is becoming more prevalent among leading streaming services, Disney has ceased the option for both new and returning users to buy subscriptions for **Disney+** and **Hulu** via Apple’s App Store. This adjustment, noted by users and covered by *MacRumors*, is part of a rising number of companies choosing to bypass Apple’s in-app payment framework to evade the steep fees attached to it.
### What’s New?
Starting October 2024, individuals wishing to subscribe or renew their subscriptions to Disney+ and Hulu will no longer be able to do so through Apple’s App Store. Current subscribers enrolled in Apple’s billing system will remain unaffected, but anyone wanting to initiate a new subscription or reactivate a previous one must do it directly through **Hulu.com** or **DisneyPlus.com**.
Per the revised help center documentation for both services, users can continue streaming Hulu and Disney+ content on Apple devices; however, the option to pay for these subscriptions through Apple’s ecosystem has been eliminated. The official announcement states:
> “New and returning subscribers can no longer sign up and pay for Hulu/Disney+ via Apple. However, you can register directly at Hulu.com/DisneyPlus.com and still view Hulu/Disney+ content on supported Apple devices. These changes do not affect existing subscribers billed through Apple.”
### Why Is Disney Implementing This Change?
The main driver behind this transition is financial. Apple takes a considerable cut—either **15% or 30%**—on all in-app transactions made via apps obtained from its App Store. This encompasses ongoing subscriptions for streaming services like Hulu and Disney+. By removing the option to subscribe through the App Store, Disney is ensuring it no longer incurs these fees for new subscribers.
This decision reflects similar moves made by other prominent companies. For instance, **Netflix** stopped facilitating subscriptions through its iOS app back in 2018. Recently, Netflix has even begun mandating that some App Store customers adjust their payment methods to evade Apple’s fees. **Amazon** has also sidestepped Apple’s charges by prohibiting users from buying books directly through its Kindle app; instead, purchases must be made via a web browser.
### The Larger Context: An Emerging Trend
Disney’s choice fits into a wider trend among digital service providers aiming to sidestep Apple’s in-app payment mechanism. The 15-30% commission rate Apple imposes has long caused disputes among developers and service providers, who contend that these fees are excessive. By directing users to their own websites for transactions, companies can circumvent these charges and retain a larger share of the revenue.
However, this tactic presents its own challenges. It adds an additional step for users, requiring them to exit the app and launch a web browser to finalize their subscription. While this may seem like a small hassle, it can create some friction in the user experience. Nevertheless, numerous companies, including Disney, Netflix, and Amazon, have determined that the financial advantages surpass any potential drawbacks.
### Timing: Price Increases and Strategic Decisions
It’s also crucial to highlight that this change follows **price hikes** for both Disney+ and Hulu. In October 2024, Disney announced yet another price increase for its streaming services, leading to dissatisfaction among some subscribers. By eliminating the App Store as a payment option, Disney can ensure it retains a larger portion of the revenue from these elevated subscription fees, rather than paying part of it to Apple.
### What Implications Does This Have for Users?
For current subscribers already integrated with Apple’s billing, there will be no immediate changes. However, if you choose to cancel your subscription and later wish to re-subscribe, you will need to do so via Disney’s or Hulu’s websites, not through the App Store.
For new users, the signup process is a bit more complicated. Instead of being able to register directly within the app, users will need to navigate to **Hulu.com** or **DisneyPlus.com** using their web browser, create an account, and input their payment details there. After subscribing, users can continue utilizing the Disney+ or Hulu apps on their Apple devices to stream content as usual.
### The Future of In-App Purchases
Disney’s decision to discontinue subscription offerings through the App Store marks another indication that the dynamics of in-app purchases are evolving. As more companies resist Apple’s fees, we might witness a growing number of services adopting this approach. Although it introduces a slight inconvenience for users, it empowers companies to have greater control over their revenue streams.
Apple, meanwhile, has been under increasing scrutiny regarding its App Store practices from both developers and regulators. The company has made some adjustments in recent years, including lowering the commission for smaller developers,
