Listen up, Disney+ subscribers. Starting 9 September, you’ll have to redownload the Disney+ app in South Africa. The streamer has announced that it’ll relaunch the service in SA, bringing with it improved functionality for all. Fear not, for your monthly bill will be left well alone in the meantime. Hell, you may even get an upgrade.
“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 streamer wrote in an email to existing Disney+ subscribers on Friday, 10 July.
Upgrades on the way
When Disney+ launched locally back in 2022, it delivered a reskin of the incredibly subpar Hotstar app to its subscribers. We’re keeping our fingers crossed to finally be rid of that mess, which was prone to issues from day one. When the app relaunches, it’ll bring a few new features, including “smarter content recommendations”.
“An enhanced ESPN viewing experience” is also on the table, though Disney+ stops short of explaining what that actually means. As it stands, ESPN’s live content is available on two separate ‘channels’ that can be a bit clunky to use. New parental controls are also on the way, with a dedicated “Junior Mode” for kids, too. Viewers will also be able to take their subscription on-the-go with them, though content may differ depending on where they are.
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Finally, Disney+ is doing away with the R50/m mobile plan, and will instead transition it to the ‘Basic’ plan. You’ll continue to be billed at the same price, while gaining access to new features. For one, you can whip out Disney+ on the big screen (though you’ll be capped to 720p and have no access to downloads).
Seeing as it already hiked local prices back in May, it seems fair to leave the prices as is. When 9 September rolls around, customers can log into the new app using their same ‘ol login info. Disney+ will remind subscribers via email and SMS on the specified date. The old app will still be usable ’til 12 October if you want to say… goodbye.
