Disney Challenges Apple's App Store In-App Purchase Policy, Disney+ and Hulu No Longer Support In-App Subscriptions

Disney Challenges Apple's App Store In-App Purchase Policy, Disney+ and Hulu No Longer Support In-App Subscriptions

Disney Challenges Apple's App Store In-App Purchase Policy, Disney+ and Hulu No Longer Support In-App Subscriptions

On October 22nd, according to media reports, Disney announced that its streaming services Disney+ and Hulu will no longer support subscriptions through Apples App Store. New users will need to pay membership fees through the official website. This move can be seen as a direct challenge to Apples in-app purchase policy, meaning Disney will no longer pay Apple a 30% cut of in-app purchases, often referred to as the "Apple tax.

Previously, several companies, including Epic and Spotify, have expressed dissatisfaction with Apples in-app purchase policy. Disneys participation undoubtedly escalates this confrontation. Disney stated that users who have already subscribed through the App Store will not be affected for now, but they will need to pay subsequent fees through the Disney website if they cancel auto-renewal. Disney also mentioned that users are unable to renew within the App Store but can still use the Disney+ and Hulu apps on iPhones and iPads.

Currently, Disney has not clarified whether it will pass the saved commission savings on to consumers, but this strategic adjustment could impact Apples revenue. Apple has always relied on commissions from its App Store in-app purchases for huge profits; Disneys move will undoubtedly impact its income to some degree.

Additionally, Disneys move could prompt other streaming service providers to reconsider their partnership with Apple. As more companies express displeasure with Apples in-app purchase policy, Apple may face increasing pressure to adjust its policies.

This event also reignites the debate surrounding Apples App Store in-app purchase policy. Some believe Apples in-app purchase policy is monopolistic and negatively impacts developers and users. Others argue that Apple has the right to set its own platform rules to protect users and the platforms interests.

Regardless of the final outcome, Disneys move will have a significant impact on the Apple App Store ecosystem. It will also serve as a reference for other companies to challenge Apples in-app purchase policies and push Apple to further adjust its policies.