Disney+ and Hulu to Be Merged Into One App

The latest writers’ strike has brought a pause to production on many movies and television shows set to run on streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and now Disney+. But it’s not the only change that might be coming to how we watch TV and movies.

Disney plans to combine its Hulu and Disney+ streaming services into a single app in the US. The company says the move will eliminate the need for subscribers to log in and out of different apps, though standalone subscription options will still remain available.

During the company’s second-quarter earnings call Wednesday, CEO Bob Iger said via a report by TechCrunch that a “one app experience” will be rolled out by the end of the year.

He said Hulu content will be incorporated into the Disney+ app, but the three services will continue offering a discounted bundle option. Iger described the unified app as a “logical progression” of the company’s direct-to-consumer offerings, and he expects it to reduce churn among Hulu and Disney+ users.

Disney+ has lost about four million subscribers since launching last month, and its parent company’s shares fell 4.5% in after-hours trading. But sales at the company’s theme parks and products division climbed 17% in the quarter, and revenues at its movie business were up 3%.