Disney+ and Hulu Merge: Single App Coming in 2024

Disney is nearing the completion of its acquisition to become the exclusive owner of Hulu. A beta version of a combined Disney+/Hulu app is set to launch next month, as reported by Variety. This will offer a "unified experience" for subscribers of both services. Variety reported that Disney CEO Bob Iger said that the official release of the integrated app is expected by spring 2024. A beta test is scheduled for December. The beta release aims to allow parents to set up parental controls ahead of time.

Initially, Iger had emphasized that despite the integration, the content services of Disney+ and Hulu would remain distinct within the unified app. This approach is similar to how Showtime content is currently accessible on the Paramount+ app, requiring a separate subscription. It's worth noting that this information predates Disney's ongoing efforts to secure full ownership of Hulu.

The upcoming beta version of the Disney+/Hulu app, slated for December, is designed for subscribers of the bundled two-service package. This move aligns with Disney's goal of enabling parental control setup. This will take place before the official spring 2024 launch, expected around late March. According to Variety, Disney+ customers will gain access to adult-oriented Hulu content within the integrated app.

Disney offers a bundled package of Disney+ and Hulu with ads for $9.99 per month, or without ads for $19.99 per month. However, users currently use separate apps for each service. The integration of Disney+ and Hulu into a single app not only streamlines the user experience but also opens up the possibility for Disney to introduce the Hulu brand on a global scale. Notably, Hulu, under Disney's operation, is currently limited to the U.S. market, with the brand licensed to Nippon TV in Japan. As of now, Disney has not disclosed any plans to establish Hulu as a global brand.