The standalone Hulu app is officially entering its sunset phase as The Walt Disney Company prepares to fold the service entirely into Disney+. This massive streaming overhaul, set to begin in February 2026, marks a historic pivot in Disney’s digital strategy, aiming to create a single, unified destination for global entertainment.
The transition will start on February 5, 2026, with the removal of the Hulu app from platforms like the Nintendo Switch, followed by a gradual phase-out across other smart TVs and mobile devices. A complete shutdown of the standalone app is projected by mid-year 2026.
According to an Economic Times report, the merger reflects Disney’s goal to simplify its ecosystem. Instead of toggling between multiple apps, subscribers will access the entire Hulu catalog—including “General Entertainment” and mature-rated content—via a dedicated Hulu Hub within Disney+.
Key Features of the Unified App:
- Seamless Discovery: Integrated search results across both Disney+ and Hulu libraries.
- Unified Billing: Simplification of account management under a single Disney ID.
- Enhanced Personalization: Watchlists and “Continue Watching” queues will sync across all content types.
A significant portion of the transition involves the Hulu + Live TV segment. Disney plans to merge this service into a joint venture with Fubo, where it will eventually be integrated into the Disney+ architecture.
For the 50 million+ current Hulu subscribers, the shift will be largely automated. Disney has confirmed that:
- Profiles & History: Existing viewing histories and profiles will migrate to Disney+.
- Subscription Choice: While the apps are merging, users can still choose to subscribe to “Hulu only” or “Disney+ only,” though they will now use the Disney+ app interface to view their respective content.
The consolidation comes as Disney seeks to reduce subscriber churn and operational costs associated with maintaining parallel technology stacks. By housing iconic originals like The Handmaid’s Tale and Only Murders in the Building alongside the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Disney aims to bolster its defense against rivals like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
As the Hulu brand transitions from a standalone service to a “content hub,” it signals the end of an era for one of the original pioneers of the cord-cutting revolution.
Key Highlights:
- Shutdown Schedule: Disney will begin phasing out the standalone Hulu app in February 2026, with a complete shutdown expected by mid-year.
- Unified Platform: All Hulu on-demand content will move exclusively to the Disney+ app, serving as a single hub for all Disney-owned entertainment.
- Live TV Transition: Hulu + Live TV is slated for a parallel overhaul, eventually integrating into the unified app experience.
- Strategic Shift: The move aims to lower operational costs, improve user engagement, and simplify billing for millions of subscribers.