A release date window for the merged Disney+ and Hulu app has been given by the CEO of Disney, Bob Iger.
Variety has reported that Disney will be launching a beta test for the merged app next month in December. According to Iger, this time period will allow parents to get their parental controls all set up ahead of the app’s full launch in spring 2024 — reportedly near late March.
“We remain on track to roll out a unified one-app experience domestically,” Iger said during Disney’s September quarter earnings call. The outlet also noted that Disney is expecting additional ad revenue with lower churn and higher engagement to come as the result of Hulu and Disney+ content being together in one place.
When was Disney+ and Hulu merging first announced?
The news of Disney+ and Hulu eventually becoming a “one-app experience” first broke earlier this year in May. As part of an earnings call around that period, Iger explained the purpose of the merge.
“While we will continue to offer Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ as standalone options, this is a logical progression of our [direct-to-consumer] offerings that will provide greater opportunities for advertisers while giving bundle subscribers access to more robust and streamlined content, resulting in greater audience engagement and ultimately leading to a more unified streaming experience,” Iger stated (via Variety).
