Disney+ rolls out new app and cheaper Basic plan in South Africa

Disney+ is rolling out a redesigned streaming app in South Africa and changing its subscription lineup, including the introduction of a lower-cost, ad-supported tier called Disney+ Basic.

What changes for Mobile subscribers

Existing Disney+ customers who currently pay R49 per month for the Mobile package will be automatically moved to Disney+ Basic. Unlike the old Mobile plan, the Basic tier can be used on TVs, laptops and computer monitors, allowing subscribers to watch on larger screens without an increase in the R49 monthly fee.

Limits and trade-offs

The Basic package has several limitations: it is restricted to one concurrent stream and a maximum resolution of 720p. Subscribers on the Basic tier will no longer be able to download content for offline viewing; downloads will be reserved for Disney+ Premium customers.

Premium remains the full-featured option

Disney+ Premium is priced at R179 per month. Premium supports up to four simultaneous streams and content is available in resolutions up to 4K.

Who can get the R49 Basic plan

The R49 Basic package is being offered only to existing Disney+ Mobile customers who are automatically migrated. It will not be available to new subscribers or to existing Premium users.

A completely new app with platform updates

Alongside the new pricing tier, Disney+ is launching a new app in South Africa. The updated platform will add features that were previously unavailable or limited locally, including the ability to use a subscription while travelling abroad, smarter content recommendations, improved parental controls and an updated Junior Mode for children.

The section formerly known as Star on the South African service has been rebranded as Hulu, aligning the local offering with wider global changes to Disney’s streaming platforms.

Important migration details for subscribers

Users moving to the new app should be aware that watch histories, recommendations and watchlists will not automatically transfer. Subscribers will need to manually keep track of watchlists and progress in shows. The existing Disney+ app will remain available until 12 October 2026 to give customers time to transition.

Login and account changes

The previous South African app used subscribers’ cellphone numbers as login usernames. With the new platform, customers will log in using their MyDisney email account. After signing in to the new app, subscribers can update their contact information through their MyDisney account.

These updates bring the South African Disney+ experience closer to the company’s broader global platform while offering a lower-cost, TV-capable option for existing Mobile subscribers.