Disney+ subscribers in South Africa will have to redownload the Disney+ app from 9 September when Disney is relaunching its video streaming platform in the country, with enhanced functionality.
The existing Disney+ app in South Africa will remain functional until 12 October 2026.
It's the first time that Disney+ requires the download and new install of the app for South African users since Disney+ launched in the country in May 2022.
The SABC has likewise required users to download and reinstall its SABC+ app twice already since it launched in 2022, in December 2023, and again in July 2024.
In an email to existing Disney+ subscribers in South Africa sent on Friday, Disney+ says, "On 9 September, we’ll be launching a brand-new Disney+ app that will
replace your current app. Your subscription isn't changing. Enjoy the
same great content but with new and improved features".
The new version of the Disney+ app for South African users will provide smarter recommendations that get better the more customers watch, an enhanced ESPN viewing experience, as well as come with improved parental controls, including a dedicated "Junior Mode" for kids.
The new Disney+ app will also offer the ability to watch at home or while travelling internationally, although content and availability might vary according to regions and geo-locking of certain content depending on licensing agreements.
Disney+ in South Africa is also doing away with its Mobile plan, with existing subscribers on the Mobile plan who will be moved over to the Disney+ Basic plan when they start using the new app.
The Mobile plan will no longer be available to new customers with the
launch of the new app, but Disney+ Basic subscribers will be able to stream on more devices,
including TVs, and at the same price.
It's not yet known if, and how, the Disney+ app change affects the Disney+ native TV app on connected and smart TV sets like Samsung, Hisense and others in South Africa.
Disney+ isn't changing any subscription fees for South Africa with the redownload and reinstall process of the new Disney+ app.
According to Disney, until the new app launches on 9 September, customers
do not need to do anything.
Disney says it will send out further information and communication before and on the day of launch on 9 September for customers to download the new app.
Subscribers will be able to sign in using their existing account details, set up profiles and can start watching, and the current app will remain available on most devices before being retired on 12 October 2026.
Disney says watch history won't be available in the new app. Disney will continue to communicate with subscribers by SMS and email, and from 9 September through email.
