Disney Plus Israel Switches to Global App with Expanded Features Starting September
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Disney Plus Israel will adopt the international app starting September 9, improving features like viewing abroad and live broadcasts without changing subscription costs. The move ends reliance on the limited Hotstar-based system used since 2022, addressing user complaints about functionality and content recommendations.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Disney Plus Israel switches to the global app on September 9, ending use of the Hotstar-based platform.
- New app enables reliable account access abroad and supports live broadcasts for the first time.
- Content availability will vary by country due to local licensing agreements.
- Users may need to reset passwords or verify accounts during the transition.
- Subscription prices will remain the same despite the app upgrade.
Disney Plus in Israel will transition to the international version of its app on September 9, ending over four years of using a limited, India-based Hotstar platform. Since its launch in Israel in June 2022, subscribers have used a different app infrastructure than in other major markets, leading to frequent complaints about limited search functions, a less user-friendly interface, and inaccurate content recommendations.
The switch to the global app will enable Israeli users to access their accounts abroad more reliably, a feature previously restricted due to the Hotstar system. However, content availability will still vary by country based on local broadcasting rights, meaning some shows and movies available in Israel may not be accessible overseas and vice versa.
Additionally, the new app will support live broadcasts, potentially including sports, news, ceremonies, and special programs, depending on Disney's rights in each country. It remains unclear which live content will be offered in Israel initially. Subscribers will receive instructions on downloading the new app and may need to reset passwords or verify accounts through Disney's international system. Importantly, the subscription price will remain unchanged despite the app upgrade.
