Finally: Disney Plus in Israel is moving to the international app
Four years after its launch in Israel, Disney Plus is migrating to its universal international application. This transition will allow Israeli users to access the service while traveling abroad and benefit from improved recommendation algorithms.
Four years have passed since the Disney Plus service was launched in Israel, and following the challenges that accompanied the 2022 launch, the service is migrating to the universal and original application. With this transition, Israeli users will receive several perks.
Disney's strange choice is coming to an end
For those who don't remember, the 2022 launch of Disney Plus in Israel surprised many, as the local service was a separate application from the American version, powered by a Disney subsidiary called Hotstar (the "Indian app"). Unlike services such as Netflix or Spotify, which use universal applications that adapt content based on user location, the Israeli version was limited. Despite subsequent updates, the feeling remained that Israeli users were receiving a lesser experience. The good news is that this is about to end.
Disney Plus users in Israel have begun receiving notifications that the service is moving to the universal and original application. The content itself will not change, and all current series and movies will remain available in the new app. Furthermore, the subscription price will remain the same.
What will change? The recommendation algorithm is expected to be smarter and more accurate, new parental controls with a dedicated area for small children will be added, and support for future live broadcasts will be implemented (which may mean that prominent sports events on ESPN will be available in Israel).
The real news: you can travel abroad
Beyond the interface, there is one significant piece of news for Israeli users: the new Disney Plus application will work even when traveling abroad. This is in contrast to the "Hotstar app," which was blocked as soon as you landed in a country that did not support it.
However, there are some downsides. First, your viewing history will be reset. Additionally, the transition to the global application may include an anti-account sharing mechanism, which has already been implemented in other parts of the world. Furthermore, the identification method will change, and you may be required to use an email address and password instead of just a phone number.
Note: Although notifications are being sent now, the transition is expected to take place on September 9, when the international Disney Plus application becomes available in Israeli app stores. There will be a transition period during which both applications will coexist, but eventually, only the international version will operate in Israel.
Coming our way: more than streaming?
During a conversation with investors, Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro reiterated the plan to turn Disney Plus into the company's "digital heart" by integrating games, merchandise, and other experiences. "We expect to start introducing parts of this expanded ecosystem starting in the spring of 2027," said D'Amaro. Additionally, the company is examining a free plan supported by advertisements. The transition to a universal application is part of this vision and may herald the arrival of additional services in the future.
