Hulu and Disney+ to Merge Into One App for U.S. Users

Disney fans, your streaming life is about to get a whole lot simpler. The entertainment giant has confirmed that a Hulu Disney merger is officially in the works, with plans to roll out a single, unified app in 2026. 

That means no more jumping between Disney+ for your Marvel binge and Hulu for your reality TV fix. Everything will live in one place.

During the company’s latest earnings call, CEO Bob Iger described the project as a “unified app experience” that will bring together the best of both worlds. 

This means blockbuster franchises, general entertainment, kids’ programming, live sports, and news, all under one digital roof.

Hulu Content Will Come to Disney+ App in the U.S.

For U.S. subscribers, the change is all about convenience. Instead of keeping track of two separate subscriptions, logins, and watchlists, you will have one app that covers it all. 

Whether you’re watching the latest Pixar release, catching up on Only Murders in the Building, or streaming live sports, you’ll find it all in one streamlined platform.

Disney has hinted that this Hulu and Disney merger will also pave the way for more customized recommendations because the new package will have a fuller picture of your viewing habits. 

So, your suggested titles will finally reflect both your Star Wars marathons and your guilty-pleasure reality shows.

One App, Many Worlds of Entertainment

Think of the upcoming Disney streaming service as an all-in-one hub. You’ll still have the same beloved brands such as Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic alongside Hulu’s massive library of TV series, indie films, documentaries, and next-day network episodes.

Sports fans aren’t being left out, either. Since ESPN is already part of Disney’s streaming portfolio, they’ve announced plans for an enhanced ESPN app that can be bundled with the new Disney+ and Hulu platform for $29.99 a month. 

That means sports, movies, shows, and family programming could all be available in one neat little package.

The Business Side of the Hulu Disney Merger

Disney has managed Hulu since 2019 and recently bought out Comcast’s remaining stake for nearly $439 million, giving it full control. By merging the two services, the company can combine ad sales, reduce costs, and potentially increase subscription pricing flexibility.

Iger also pointed out that packaging both services into a single app could make it easier to sell advertising across the combined audience. That’s a big deal in the increasingly competitive streaming landscape, where platforms are racing to find sustainable ways to grow.

The Future of Hulu and Disney+

If you’ve already subscribed to the Hulu and Disney plus bundle, you might be wondering what changes you’ll see. 

Disney hasn’t shared all the details yet, but the general idea is that your bundle will eventually transform into a single app. Pricing adjustments are possible, but the company hasn’t confirmed any specific increases.

In the meantime, Disney will continue offering its current options until the integrated platform launches in 2026. So, if you’re already signed up, you’ll still have access to both apps. They’ll just be combined into one when the switchover happens.

Will Hulu on Disney+ Replace Standalone Apps?

It’s not clear yet if Hulu on Disney Plus will completely replace the standalone apps. Some streaming services have tried a phased approach, keeping individual apps available while offering a combined option. Others have fully retired the separate platforms in favor of one experience.

Disney hasn’t officially announced which path it’ll take but, given the company’s push for simplicity and unified branding, a single-app model is more likely.

What to Expect in 2026

We expect the transition to be seamless. Your logins, preferences, and watch history should carry over to the new platform. Plus, Disney will likely roll out plenty of promotional material in the months leading up to the launch to help customers prepare.

It’s also safe to say a big marketing push around the expanded content lineup is imminent. Disney has no shortage of popular franchises to spotlight, and Hulu’s deep library of TV and film gives the company even more ways to entice viewers.

Streaming Just Got Simpler

The Hulu Disney merger is the company’s way of making streaming easier for its customers while positioning itself more competitively against rivals like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. 

If all goes well, 2026 could be the year our streaming setups become a whole lot simpler to navigate – and maybe even a little more exciting.