New Disney+ and Hulu subscribers will no longer be able to sign up through Apple.
This announcement came from updates to the help centers of the two platforms, which are owned by Disney.
Instead, users are encouraged to visit their browser sites directly and sign up for them. The reason is obvious: Apple imposes a 30% cut on purchases made through iOS, mainly limiting the profits of developers and large companies like Disney.
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Existing customers can manage their subscriptions through Apple, though Hulu notes: “If you no longer wish to be billed by Apple, you will need to sign up directly through Hulu.” This is not for anyone trying to plant ideas in your head or anything like that. You will need to cancel subscription and then sign up again. Additionally, Hulu has limited subscribers billed by Apple to two options: Hulu with or without ads. Live TV and add-ons must be purchased through its website.
Read more: The “Disney Plus, Hulu and Max” streaming bundle has arrived in the US
The move comes alongside price increases for Disney+ and Hulu. The changes, announced in August, bring Disney+ Basic and ad-supported Hulu to $10 per month, up from $8, while the ad-free Disney+ Premium plan is up to $16 per month, up from $14. Additionally, ad-free Hulu now costs $20 per month, up from $18.
Apple doesn't seem thrilled with Disney's decision. The 30% cut and Apple's determination to maintain it has sparked a series of legal challenges over the years, with companies like Epic and Spotify claiming that Apple has blocked third-party purchases and app stores.
See also: Warner Bros. Discovery partners with Google
Source: engadget
