Tag: streaming services

  • Disney+ and Hulu Prices Rise in the US: Here’s What Subscribers Pay Now

    Disney+ and Hulu Prices Rise in the US: Here’s What Subscribers Pay Now

    Walt Disney has officially raised subscription rates for Disney+ and Hulu in the United States, with the new pricing taking effect on September 23, 2026. The company increased most plans by at least $0.50, but the biggest jump is on ad-free tiers, which are now $2.50 more per month.

    The revised rate structure is clearly designed to steer subscribers toward combined Disney+ and Hulu bundles. A standalone ad-free subscription now costs $21.49 per month, while the ad-free bundle is only $21.99 — making the bundle the more attractive option for users who want both services.

    New Disney+ and Hulu pricing at a glance

    Plan New Monthly Price
    Disney+ ad-supported $12.49
    Hulu ad-supported $12.49
    Disney+ ad-free $21.49
    Hulu ad-free $21.49
    Disney+ and Hulu ad-supported bundle $12.99
    Disney+ and Hulu ad-free bundle $21.99

    Paying separately for both ad-free services now costs a total of $42.98 each month. That is nearly twice the $21.99 monthly price of the ad-free bundle. The ad-supported bundle remains unchanged at $12.99, reinforcing Disney’s push toward its combined streaming offering.

    ESPN-inclusive bundles also cost more

    Selected packages featuring ESPN saw increases as well. The Disney+, Hulu and ESPN Select ad-supported bundle is now $21.99 per month, while the premium ad-free version rose from $29.99 to $32.99. Disney left the ESPN Unlimited bundles untouched at $35.99 and $44.99 per month.

    Why prices keep climbing

    This marks the fourth consecutive year of price increases across Disney’s streaming services, following a similar round of hikes in 2025. The move is also part of a wider industry pattern; according to TechCrunch, Apple TV+ and Peacock both raised their prices in August.

    Disney is simultaneously working to deepen platform integration and create a more unified Disney+ experience that brings Hulu content closer together. The company reported an 11% increase in combined Disney+ and Hulu entertainment streaming revenue in its latest quarter.

    Who is affected

    New subscribers will pay the updated rates immediately, while existing subscribers will see the new prices on their next billing cycle. The changes apply to U.S. subscriptions only and do not directly affect Indian users. Viewers in India should check local options such as JioHotstar for applicable streaming rates.

  • Apple Music and Apple One Subscription Prices Rise in India

    Apple Music and Apple One Subscription Prices Rise in India

    Apple has increased the prices of Apple Music and Apple One subscription plans in India. The new rates are effective immediately for new subscribers, while existing users will see the higher charges applied starting with their next monthly payment. This marks the first price adjustment for Apple’s music streaming service in the country since 2024.

    The Apple Music Individual plan now costs ₹139 per month, up from ₹119. The Student plan has risen from ₹59 to ₹69 per month. The Family plan, which allows up to six family members to enjoy separate accounts with personalized playlists and recommendations, now costs ₹229 per month instead of ₹179.

    Apple has also revised the pricing for its Apple One bundles. The Individual plan now costs ₹195 per month, up from ₹175. The Family plan has increased from ₹365 to ₹445 per month. The Premier plan, which includes the most services, now costs ₹595 per month, compared to the previous ₹499.

    Apple One combines multiple Apple services—including Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and iCloud storage—into a single subscription. For users who regularly use more than one Apple service, the bundle can still offer cost savings despite the price increases.

    Apple has not provided an official reason for the price hike. However, similar increases have already been implemented in markets such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and parts of Europe. Industry reports suggest that rising music licensing fees and service delivery costs may be contributing factors.

    This subscription price adjustment follows recent price increases on select Mac, MacBook, iPad, Apple TV, and HomePod models in various regions. Apple also raised iPhone prices in Japan. The pattern indicates a broader strategy of increasing costs across both hardware and subscription services.

    Even with the higher prices, Apple One may remain a cost-effective choice for households that use multiple Apple services. The narrower price gap between Apple Music and Apple One could encourage more users to opt for the bundle rather than paying for each service individually.