In a world where streaming and digital entertainment are shaping our daily lives, recent rate hikes at giants like Disney+ and Apple TV+ are provoking heated debate.
These increases, following those already initiated by Netflix, reflect a significant shift in the streaming services’ pricing strategy.
While access to a multitude of films, series and documentaries used to be seen as an affordable luxury, it is gradually becoming a major expense for households.
Background to streaming price hikes
In the ever-changing world of streaming, the announcement of rate hikes at market leaders like Disney+ and Apple TV+ came as a bombshell. 📈
These increases are not an isolated phenomenon. They are part of a wider trend, influenced in large part by streaming giant Netflix.
Netflix, the forerunner of augmentation
Netflix, the streaming pioneer, has led the way by revising its rates upwards. Known for its vast library of content and original productions, the platform justified these increases by the constant need to innovate and enrich its catalog.
This was done in two phases: the first introduced monetization of additional accounts at €5.9 per account (shared accounts), and the second simply increased the cost of subscriptions.
This had a domino effect on the market, prompting other major players to review their pricing structures too.
While for some subscribers this increase is a necessary evil to maintain the quality and diversity of content, for others it represents a significant additional burden on the monthly leisure budget.
Disney+ follows suit
After Netflix, Disney+ is also adapting to current economic realities by adjusting its rates. 🏰
New Disney+ price list
From November 1, 2023, Disney+ will offer a new pricing structure:
– Standard with advertising (Full HD) : Basic offer with advertising.
– Standard (Full HD): An ad-free version.
– Premium (4K Ultra HD): The most comprehensive option, offering the very best in resolution and audio.
By choosing a Standard or Premium package, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite movies and series even offline!
Each of these offers reflects a strategy aimed at diversifying the options available to users, while meeting a variety of needs.
Comparison of rates before and after the increase
Let’s compare Disney+ rates before and after this revision:
– Before the increase: A single premium subscription at €8.99 per month.
– After the increase:
– Standard with ads: €5.99 per month for 2 simultaneous readings.
– Standard: €8.99 per month (or €89.90 per year) for 2 simultaneous readings.
– Premium: €11.99 per month (or €119.90 per year) for 2 simultaneous readings.
This rate change is not just a cost increase. It represents an overhaul of the Disney+ offering, providing users with more diversified options.
Apple TV+ joins the trend
Like Netflix and Disney+, Apple TV+ has also adjusted its rates upwards, marking a general trend in the streaming industry. 🍏
Apple TV+ price history
Since its launch in 2019 at €4.99 per month, Apple TV+ has seen several increases:
– 2019: Launch at €4.99 per month.
– 2022: First increase to 6.99 euros per month.
– 2023: Current price set at 9.99 euros per month.
This pricing trend shows a significant increase over a relatively short period.
Apple’s justification for the increase
Apple justifies this increase on several grounds:
– Constant addition of new programs: Apple strives to continually enrich its catalog.
– Maintaining quality: The platform aims to offer high-quality content and functionality.
These justifications highlight Apple’s strategy of balancing high production costs with a profitable subscription for the company.
Consequences for consumers and possible solutions
Rising fees for streaming services have a direct impact on consumer decisions. 🤔
Impact of price increases on customer choices
These increases lead to various reactions:
– Subscription revaluation: Users are encouraged to reconsider the value and necessity of each subscription.
– Reducing expenses: Some people choose to reduce the number of subscriptions they have to keep their budget in check.
Sharesub: A solution to the rising cost of subscriptions
In this context, Sharesub offers an innovative solution:
– Subscription account sharing: Allows users to legally share the costs of streaming services.
– Reduced expenses: Offers the possibility of joining sharing groups to subscribe at a reduced rate, such as a streaming platform.
In this way, Sharesub meets a growing demand for flexibility and cost savings in the management of digital subscriptions.
