Streamers Raise Prices, Cut Back on New Shows: Are We Getting Stiffed?

Apple TV+ has joined other streamers like Stan, Netflix, Kayo, and Disney+ in raising prices for Australian subscribers. Meanwhile, big streamers are cutting back on new shows, meaning subscribers are getting less bang for their buck. Netflix's price has risen 133% since its Australian launch, and the focus has shifted from subscription growth to profit. Streamers are now offering ad-supported plans and cracking down on password-sharing to make more money.

In 2025, several major streaming services in Australia have implemented significant price increases and content adjustments, impacting subscribers and market dynamics. This article explores the recent changes in pricing and content offerings from Netflix, Disney Plus, Apple TV Plus, HBO Max, Prime Video, and Stan.

Netflix
Netflix has seen a substantial 133% price increase since its Australian launch in 2015. Its Standard plan, now priced at AU$20.99 monthly, has increased by AU$12 over the past decade. Additionally, Netflix introduced an ad-supported Standard plan in November 2023, initially priced at AU$6.99 monthly, which has since risen to AU$9.99. The company has also implemented a fee for password-sharing, charging AU$7.99 per additional household member [1].

Disney Plus
Disney Plus has raised its prices four times since 2019, with the latest increase occurring in February 2025. The Standard plan, now priced at AU$15.99 monthly, includes two screens in HD resolution and unlimited downloads. The Premium plan, priced at AU$20.99 monthly, offers four simultaneous streams in 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos audio [1].

Apple TV Plus
Apple TV Plus, which offers ad-free streaming, has seen two price increases in 2023, resulting in a current price of AU$15.99 monthly. The Apple One Bundle, which includes Apple TV Plus, starts at AU$24.95 monthly. Apple TV Plus provides access to a range of original content, including critically acclaimed shows like Ted Lasso and The Morning Show [1].

HBO Max
HBO Max launched in Australia in March 2025, offering a variety of HBO content. The Basic with Ads plan is priced at AU$11.99 monthly, providing two simultaneous screens in HD resolution. The Standard plan, priced at AU$15.99 monthly, offers ad-free streaming and offline downloads. The Premium plan, priced at AU$21.99 monthly, allows for four simultaneous screens in 4K resolution and Dolby Atmos sound [1].

Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video, which includes Prime Video, Amazon Music, and Prime Gaming, has seen a price increase of AU$3 per month in the past year. The monthly plan with ads is now priced at AU$9.99, while the ad-free plan is priced at AU$12.99. Prime Video offers a wide range of original content, blockbuster movies, and TV shows, as well as access to other streaming services like Paramount Plus and AMC+ for an additional charge [1].

Stan
Stan, known for its ad-free plans, has seen a price increase of AU$2 for its Basic plan to AU$12 per month. The Premium plan has increased by AU$6 to AU$21 per month. Stan offers a vast selection of original Australian content, such as Bump, but has discontinued its 30-day free trial for new customers [1].

Conclusion
The recent price increases and content changes across major streaming services in Australia reflect a shift in strategy towards profit maximization. While these changes may impact subscriber satisfaction, they also indicate a growing focus on revenue generation and content exclusivity. Investors and financial professionals should closely monitor these trends to assess the potential impact on market dynamics and subscriber behavior.

References:
[1] https://www.tomsguide.com/news/streaming-service-prices-in-australia-year-netflix-binge-stan-disney-plus-and-more-compared