Disney+ Rolling Out Major New Update
Earlier this year, Disney announced that, in preparation for a fully integrated unified app experience next year, Disney+ users would soon begin to see further integrations of Hulu across the Disney+ app as part of an ongoing and iterative slate of product updates on the homepage and beyond.
This new update includes a series of design and navigation enhancements rolling out over the coming weeks and months — offering a more dynamic and intuitive experience.
One of the major new changes to Disney+, is how a new navigation bar has been added, offering a “For You” tab that is new homebase for recommended viewing, powered by an updated algorithm that learns user preferences over time. There are also tabs for Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN, depending on the user’s subscription, making it easier to explore each catalogue individually.
Today, Disney+ subscribers across the United States have been slowly migrated over to the new, updated version of the streaming service. You may need to update your device with the latest version of Disney+, and as we’ve seen with previous upgrades from the launch of Hulu, Star and ESPN hubs, this rollout is gradual, and not all users are getting it at the same time to reduce strain on the Disney+ servers. If your version of Disney+ hasn’t upgraded yet, but you have the latest version, there’s not need to worry, as the upgrade will likely come at a later date.
Internationally, it’s unclear when this new version of Disney+ will roll out, as it still seems more focused on the US market.
Other updated elements of Disney+ being upgraded are that they will be adding new badging tags like “Season Finale,” “New Series,” and “New Movie” to show subscribers what’s unique and timely right now.
Disney+ subscribers will also find the new version features a new video display in the Hero carousel and a more dynamic brand row, showcasing the latest titles from each brand. With more updates are set to be added at a later date.
Roger’s Take: It’s great to see Disney+ getting a major upgrade and moving away from the traditional core brands of Disney+, ie, Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar, instead shifting to the Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN elements, that make up the bundle. It is also a major step toward the merger of Hulu and Disney+ into a single platform in the United States. It’s a shame international audiences haven’t started getting the upgrade, but I suspect it’ll happen soon. Ultimately, if your version of Disney+ is the older style, don’t panic; eventually, your device will upgrade to the new version.
What do you think of the new version of Disney+? Let me know on social media!
