Disney+ and Hulu to Merge into a Single App in 2026, Signaling the End of the Stand-alone Hulu Service

The world of streaming is getting a major shakeup. Disney has officially announced that it will fully integrate its Hulu service into its flagship Disney+ app, with a new, unified platform launching in 2026. While this means you can say goodbye to the stand-alone Hulu app, the company’s leadership promises a simplified and more convenient streaming experience.

A Unified Platform for a “Differentiated” Experience

The big reveal came from Disney CEO Bob Iger and CFO Hugh Johnston during the company’s latest quarterly earnings report. They explained that bringing the two services together will create an “impressive package of entertainment,” combining Disney+’s powerhouse brands and family-friendly content with Hulu’s general entertainment, news, and live sports.

According to Iger, this single-app approach is a win for both the company and its subscribers. By putting both libraries on one “tech platform,” Disney expects to see several key benefits:

• Improved User Experience: A single app should make it easier and more convenient for subscribers to find content, leading to higher engagement.
• Lower Churn: A better user experience is expected to keep subscribers from canceling their plans.
• Ad Revenue Potential: Disney plans to bundle ad sales for both services, opening up new opportunities.
• Operational Efficiencies: Combining the services on one platform will cut costs, which can then be reinvested into the business.

Crucially, Disney confirmed that even after the combined app launches, customers will still have the option to purchase a stand-alone Hulu subscription or a stand-alone Disney+ plan.

What This Means for Subscribers

The move isn’t just about a new app. Disney is also making Hulu a global general entertainment brand. Starting in the fall of 2025, Hulu will replace the “Star” tile on Disney+ internationally, expanding its reach to a worldwide audience. Additionally, the company announced that its Hulu Live TV subscribers will be migrated to Fubo under a new joint venture with a majority stake owned by Disney.

This decision has been a long time coming. Disney recently finalized its deal to buy out Comcast’s one-third stake in Hulu, paying the telecommunications giant around $9 billion to gain full ownership. The final price was determined through a third-party arbitration process after Comcast had initially sought more than $13 billion. Disney had already begun the integration process in the spring of 2024, when it launched an option for Disney+ subscribers to access a selection of Hulu content, a step that helped convert many to the bundled plan.

In other company news, Disney has announced that it will no longer report individual subscriber numbers for Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, following a similar move by industry leader Netflix. The company also set a launch date of August 21 for its new stand-alone ESPN streaming product, which will be priced at $29.99 per month.