Disney+ Upgrades Israeli App Four Years After Launch With New Features and Global Access

Disney+ is replacing its Israeli streaming app with the version used in Europe and the US, effective September 9. The upgrade aims to improve user experience and enable content viewing while abroad. Disney+ originally launched in Israel in June 2022, bringing its extensive catalog including Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar content. However, the initial launch faced criticism due to the app's reliance on the Indian Hotstar platform, which lacked features available in other regions such as trailer viewing, advanced search, group watch, and offered lower video quality.

The new app will maintain the same subscription price and content availability but will introduce enhanced features like smarter content recommendations, a revamped ESPN viewing experience, new parental controls with a dedicated kids section, and the ability to watch while traveling internationally. Users will need to download the new app from app stores and reconfigure their user profiles, though login credentials will remain unchanged. Disney will guide customers through the transition steps from now until the new app's launch. The current app will remain accessible on most devices until it is phased out on October 12.