Disney is overhauling its streaming app with a major redesign and replacing its international ‘Star’ brand with Hulu, marking the next step in its plan to create a single, unified streaming service.
A redesigned experience: Starting October 8, the app will feature a new “For You” tab powered by what Disney calls an “updated algorithm,” along with a dedicated “Live” hub for news and sports. A new top navigation bar will also feature tabs for Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN, customized based on a user's subscription.
Building toward the endgame: These changes are all a prelude to a fully integrated app experience set to arrive in 2026. The move follows the company's long-stated goal of eventually killing the standalone Hulu app and consolidating its streaming offerings.
The familiar one-two punch: It’s no coincidence that the refreshed interface arrives just before a price hike on October 21. The ad-supported Disney+ plan will jump by $2 to $12 per month, while the ad-free Premium tier will increase by $3 to $19 per month, a familiar strategy of pairing new features with a higher bill.
By consolidating its brands and streamlining its tech, Disney is making a clear play to create a single, dominant streaming destination to better compete with rivals.
This entire integration strategy was made possible by Disney’s complete acquisition of Hulu from Comcast earlier this year. The company first signaled its intent to phase out the standalone Hulu app back in August.
