- Disney Plus and Hulu subscriptions can no longer be purchased via Apple.
- Apps for both streaming services are now redirecting returning and new users to their websites to purchase subscriptions.
- The move is meant to avoid high App Store fees, where Apple charges a 30% commission for every in-app purchase.
Earlier this year, streaming services like Disney Plus implemented stricter password-sharing limitations to encourage more users to sign up for the services. It looks like Hulu and Disney Plus are now cracking down on Apple by blocking sign-ups via the App Store to avoid high App Store fees.
As reported by MacRumors based on this Reddit post, new Hulu and Disney Plus customers are unable to sign-up and make payments through Apple, while the existing customers don’t seem to be affected. The Disney Plus and Hulu apps now direct users to their websites to purchase a subscription.
Apple did the same thing on the Apple TV app for Google TV by removing the ability to buy and rent due to Google’s 30% cut. Apple does have a Video Partner Program for popular streaming services, which reduces the cut Apple takes from 30% to 15%, but 15% is still quite significant for recurring payments.
That said, Disney Plus and Hulu aren’t the first when it comes to blocking Apple signups. Netflix did the same in 2018, and so did Amazon, redirecting users to their websites to buy their services. Back in 2020, Epic sued Apple for removing Fortnite from the App Store when they introduced a payment system that bypassed Apple’s 30% cut.
Google services like YouTube Music are expensive on Apple devices for the same reason. So, the company recommends you purchase subscriptions via its web apps.
While this change adds a dent to the overall user experience, firms would be happy to bring this change because it helps them save a lot. I’d agree, 30% commission from both Apple and Google is quite ludicrous.
Do you think Apple and Google should reduce the commissions? Let us know in the comments below.
