Over the past few years, major app stores, including Apple and Google, have had some issues with major companies such as Epic Games, Netflix, and Microsoft regarding how much money app store owners get from purchases or subscriptions.

Disney is also now joining this long list of companies, as it no longer allows new or returning customers subscribe to its streaming services, Disney+, Hulu or ESPN+ directly through Apple devices.  Instead, if a new customer wants to subscribe, they must sign up directly via the official websites.

The reason for this is that the app store owners typically want 30% of the purchase cost as a transaction fee, which has resulted in many different lawsuits. Only recently, Epic Games won a legal battle, resulting in one of the biggest video games in the world, Fortnite, becoming available on devices across Europe. Some subscription platforms, such as YouTube TV and X, even add an additional fee to their subscriptions through Apple devices, passing the “Apple tax” directly onto consumers.

Netflix has also had its own issues with the app store owners, removing access to subscribe directly through app stores back in 2022.

The official Disney+ and Hulu help websites also confirm the change:

*New and returning subscribers are no longer able to sign up and pay for Disney+ through Apple. However, you can see all plans and sign up directly on DisneyPlus.com and can still watch Disney+ content on supported Apple devices. These changes do not affect existing Apple-billed subscribers.

Hulu’s official website also states:

New and returning subscribers are no longer able to sign up and pay for Hulu through Apple. However, you can see all plans and sign up directly on Hulu.com and can still watch Hulu content on supported Apple devices.

If you are an existing Apple-billed subscriber, you will continue to be billed through Apple and can manage your account using Apple Subscription settings.

You can confirm if you are billed by Apple on your Hulu Account page — your billing party is listed in the Payment Information section.

Existing customers who subscribe directly through Apple devices are not being impacted, though we could see a shift in strategy in the future should Apple and Disney fail to reach an agreement.

It’s important to reconfirm that Disney+ and Hulu subscribers can still access these apps on Apple Devices and download the app via the App Store. However, new and returning customers can no longer sign up to subscribe via Apple instead they have to go directly to the Disney+ or Hulu website to do so.

Roger’s Take:  It’s only natural that companies are going to have disagreements over fees, but we are starting to see a major pushback, not just from companies but also from consumers and governments over the power these app stores have.  App stores taking a percentage cut for a transaction fee is logical, considering they are dealing with the running of these stores and billing costs, etc., but the flat 30% rate will ultimately be passed onto consumers in one way or another.

What do you think of Apple customers no longer being able to subscribe directly?  Let me know on social media!

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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