Disney Plus and Hulu Stop New App Subscriptions on iPhone
If you want to subscribe to Disney Plus or Hulu on your iPhone, you can’t do that anymore. Support documents for
Disney Plus
and Hulu now indicate that new and returning subscribers
can’t sign up through Apple, as reported
MacRumors.
Out of curiosity, I tried logging into my account through the iOS app to see what would happen. After entering my email and password,
I was greeted by a message that reads: “Unfortunately, this app doesn’t support in-app sign up. Finish setting up your account on the website.
Create and manage your account at disneyplus.com/next.” Hulu’s iOS app also directs you to the Hulu website if you try to log in without an active subscription.
Screenshots by Jay Peters / The Verge
Presumably, the company is making this change to stop Apple from taking a cut of new subscription revenues for Disney Plus and Hulu.
However, if you already subscribe to those services through Apple, Disney states you’ll still be billed through Apple.
Disney didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Disney is just the latest company to stop new subscriptions through its iOS apps. Netflix ceased allowing users to subscribe through
its iOS app in 2018 and recently cut off Apple billing for legacy subscribers. Spotify also prohibits subscriptions through the iOS app—
in the app, it includes the cheeky message that “we know, it’s not ideal.”
Expert Opinions: Implications of This Change
To delve deeper into the implications of this decision, we’ve gathered insights from several industry experts.
Dr. Emily Carter, Digital Media Analyst
“This move reflects a trend among streaming services trying to reclaim revenue lost to third-party platforms, but it may alienate some users who prefer ease of access through in-app subscriptions.”
Mark Thompson, Tech Industry Expert
“Disney and Hulu’s decision may highlight the increasing pressure from Apple’s revenue-sharing model that many companies are finding untenable. Still, the impact on user engagement remains to be seen.”
Lisa Cheung, Marketing Strategist
“Marketers must now pivot their strategies, redirecting traffic to their websites for new subscriptions, potentially complicating the customer journey.”
James ROyce, Consumer Behavior Researcher
“While the change might deter some new users, existing customers accustomed to the convenience of in-app purchases might remain loyal and continue their subscriptions, impacting overall user growth.”