Hulu and Disney+ will become a single app in 2026, new ESPN app this month

Ben Schoon | Aug 6 2025 - 7:40 am PT

Disney has announced plans that set the stage for the standalone Hulu going away, with the service instead being “fully” integrated into Disney+ both in the US and globally.

Hulu has been around for well over a decade now, being one of the first major streaming offerings. Disney has since taken the reins, and last year rolled out Hulu integration into the main Disney+ app for subscribers who bundle the two services. In 2026, it seems that this integration will be going a step further, with Hulu’s standalone app going away.

As a part of its latest earnings call, Disney says that it plans to fully merge Hulu into Disney+, which will eventually lead to just one streaming app. Disney explains:

This will create an impressive package of entertainment, pairing the highest-caliber brands and franchises, great general entertainment, family programming, news, and industry-leading live sports content in a single app. By creating a truly differentiated streaming offering, we will be providing subscribers tremendous choice, convenience, quality, and enhanced personalization.

All of this work will culminate with the unified Disney+ and Hulu streaming app experience that will be available to consumers next year.

The other big news here for Hulu is that, outside of the US, the Hulu name will take the place of “Star.”

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Disney also teases “numerous improvements within the Disney+ app, including exciting new features and a more personalized homepage.”

Meanwhile, Disney is also introducing a new ESPN streaming app. This direct-to-consumer service will provide ESPN’s content without a traditional cable subscription. This new service will launch on August 21, and also comes as ESPN will acquire the NFL Network starting with the 2025 season.

Designed to give fans more choice and flexibility, ESPN DTC will offer two plans, including an unlimited plan for $29.99/month that gives fans access to all of ESPN’s linear networks – ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes – in addition to ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX, covering 47,000 live events each year, on-demand replays, studio shows, original programming, and more. Bundling opportunities for the ESPN unlimited plan with Disney+ and Hulu include a special offer at launch for $29.99/month for the first 12 months.