Disney has officially announced plans to phase out the standalone Hulu app in favor of a fully integrated experience within Disney Plus, with a new combined app expected to debut in 2026. This integration builds on previous efforts, as Hulu content was already accessible through Disney Plus for subscribers of the Disney Bundle, enhancing the viewing experience for shows like “The Bear” and “Andor.”
During the announcement, Disney CEO Bob Iger and CFO Christine McCarthy highlighted the benefits of this move, emphasizing that it would create a “comprehensive package of entertainment,” featuring beloved brands, family programming, news, and live sports. They assured customers that they would still have the option to subscribe to Hulu and Disney Plus separately, alleviating concerns about potential price hikes.
Iger and McCarthy expressed optimism that this consolidation will lead to improved customer engagement, reduced subscriber turnover, and increased advertising opportunities, presenting a more streamlined and personalized viewing experience. They also mentioned ongoing improvements to the Disney Plus platform that will introduce exciting features and a revamped homepage in the coming months.
In addition to these changes, Disney plans to replace the international “Star” branding with the Hulu name starting this fall, allowing for a more cohesive streaming identity outside the U.S.
Overall, this development aims to enhance customers’ viewing experience while providing more content in one convenient app, which could potentially lead to greater satisfaction and loyalty among subscribers.