Disney+ to add Hulu content for 'one app experience'

WASHINGTON — The Walt Disney Co. announced it is planning to combine Disney+ and Hulu into one app. 

He explained that the "one app experience" will roll out by the end of 2023 and feature Hulu content in Disney+. 

Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN+ will continue to be offered as standalone options, he said. For those who already pay for a Disney bundle, the new app will get rid of the need to switch between different apps. 

"This is a logical progression of our DTC offerings that will provide greater opportunities for advertisers while giving bundle subscribers access to more robust and streamlined content, resulting in greater audience engagement and ultimately leading to a more unified streaming experience," Iger said.

Disney+ is also planning to raise the price of its ad-free tier later this year “to better reflect the value of our content offerings,” he said. 

Iger, who returned in November to take over the CEO post from Bob Chapek, has been working over the past six months to turn around Disney's streaming business while simultaneously making sure that the financial might coming from its theme parks doesn't waver.

Disney's streaming strategy seems to be following the same path as Warner Bros. Discovery, which will soon be replacing the company’s existing HBO Max app with a service that combines HBO programming and content currently found on its Discovery Plus app. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.