Highlights
- Disney+ will globally replace the Star tile with Hulu starting October 8 while integrating Hulu and ESPN into a unified app.
- Major UI upgrades include a “For You” tab, dynamic hero carousel, enhanced Live hub, and mobile widgets for faster content access and personalisation.
- S. subscription prices rise from October 21 with Disney+ and Hulu ad tiers increasing to $11.99/month; ad-free Hulu remains at $18.99/month.
Caption – Disney+ adds Tabs for Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN on each subscriber’s plan. (Image credit – Disney)
Disney is officially reshaping its streaming strategy by bringing Hulu into Disney+ while also preparing to phase out Hulu’s standalone app eventually. At the same time, the company is expanding the Hulu brand to audiences worldwide.
Announcing the update in a Newsroom post, The Walt Disney Company writes, “With this change, and in preparation for a fully integrated unified app experience next year, users will begin to see further integrations of Hulu across the Disney+ app as part of an ongoing and iterative slate of product updates on the homepage and beyond. This includes a series of design and navigation enhancements rolling out over the coming weeks and months — offering a more dynamic and intuitive experience.”
Hulu Replaces Star Globally on Disney+
Caption – Disney+ introduces several app changes. (Image credit – Disney)
Starting October 8, Hulu will become the global general entertainment hub within Disney+ outside the U.S., replacing the existing Star tile. Disney says this shift is designed to boost recognition of Hulu internationally and highlight the platform’s wide catalogue of adult-oriented content.
The company confirmed that Disney+ subscribers “will begin to see further integrations of Hulu across the Disney+ app as part of an ongoing and iterative slate of product updates on the homepage and beyond,” as it works toward a “fully integrated unified app experience” in 2026.
This global rebrand also means Disney’s marketing and social media investments in Hulu will extend worldwide, strengthening its reach and positioning against competitors.
Upcoming Disney+ Features and Design Changes
Disney emphasised that the Star-to-Hulu update goes beyond a simple tile replacement. The streaming platform is rolling out major upgrades to improve content discovery and personalisation. In the coming weeks, Disney+ will introduce the following changes.
Revamped Navigation and UX Design
A redesigned navigation bar at the top of the homepage. A new “For You” tab will become the default landing screen, offering personalised recommendations powered by an updated algorithm.
Tabs for Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN will appear based on each subscriber’s plan.
An enhanced Live hub that brings together live news, sports, events, and 24/7 streams.
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A modernised interface featuring a dynamic “hero” carousel, more cinematic poster-style artwork, and a refreshed brand row showcasing the latest releases.
New content tags such as “Season Finale,” “New Series,” and “New Movie” for easier discovery of fresh titles.
More prominent profile features to surface recommendations tailored to each viewer’s individual habits.
On mobile, Disney+ is also upgrading the user experience. The iOS app is rolling out Widgets that act as quick-entry points, taking users directly into shows and movies with a single tap.
Disney’s Acquisition and Integration Timeline
Disney completed its full acquisition of Hulu from Comcast in June this year. While Hulu will eventually merge fully into Disney+ by 2026, Disney confirmed that in the U.S., subscribers will still have the option to purchase Disney+ and Hulu separately.
However, no final timeline has been set for discontinuing the standalone Hulu app.
Price Hikes Across Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN in the U.S.
Alongside these updates, Disney has announced new subscription prices effective October 21 in the U.S. The hike would be as follows –
- Disney+ with ads: rising from $9.99 to $11.99 per month.
- Disney+ Premium (ad-free): increasing from $15.99 to $18.99 per month.
- Hulu with ads: moving from $9.99 to $11.99 per month.
- Hulu (ad-free): will remain unchanged at $18.99 per month.
These adjustments also extend to bundles that include ESPN.
What’s Next?
Disney+ is setting the stage for its 2026 unified app experience, which would mean Hulu replacing Star globally, tighter ESPN integration and a wave of design updates. The changes not only streamline Disney’s streaming ecosystem but also position Hulu as a global brand under the Disney+ umbrella.
FAQs
Q1. What major change is Disney+ making to its global content strategy?
Answer. Starting October 8, Disney+ will replace the Star tile with Hulu as its global general entertainment hub, expanding Hulu’s brand recognition worldwide.
Q2. Will Hulu remain a standalone app in the U.S.?
Answer. For now, yes. Disney confirmed that U.S. users can still subscribe to Hulu separately, though full integration into Disney+ is planned by 2026.
Q3. What new features are coming to Disney+ with this update?
Answer. Disney+ will introduce a redesigned navigation bar, a “For You” tab with personalised recommendations, an enhanced Live hub, and mobile widgets for quick access.
Also Read –
https://www.mymobileindia.com/disney-and-hulu-subscription-prices-increasing-again-from-october-21/