Disney recently unveiled three new Disney+ subscription plans for Canada, the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
These new plans aim to offer subscribers a more affordable entry point to Disney+. Yet, for the first time, features like 4K streaming will be exclusive to the pricier premium subscription option.
Starting in November, Disney+ subscribers outside the United States will face a 25% to 37% increase in their subscription costs for the benefits they’ve enjoyed for nearly four years. The new Disney+ Premium tier offers 4K UHD & HDR streaming, Dolby Atmos sound, and the ability to stream on up to four devices at the same time.
Previously, all Disney+ subscribers in Europe and Canada received the “Premium” tier benefits as part of their subscription. That’s about to change, as Disney+ introduces various tiers, each with its distinct features and pricing.
Here’s a breakdown of these subscription plans for regions outside the United States:
Standard With Ads: Full HD 1080p video resolution, allows for two simultaneous streams, and comes with 5.1 and Stereo sound options. Note that download functionality is not included.
Standard: Subscribers receive Full HD 1080p video quality, the ability to have two streams at once, both 5.1 and Stereo sound, coupled with the advantage of download capabilities.
Premium: This tier provides video quality up to 4K UHD & HDR, allows for four simultaneous streams, features Dolby Atmos sound, and includes download functionality. Essentially, this is the current Disney+ tier we’re familiar with, set to undergo a name and price change come November.
Disney’s decision isn’t unexpected, especially when most major streaming rivals, including Netflix and Max, have already positioned 4K content and select features behind their top-tier plans.
For now, there’s good news for Disney+ subscribers in the United States, as they continue to enjoy 4K access regardless of their subscription tier. While there’s no current indication of changes, it’s always possible that adjustments might be made down the line. That said, there will be a Disney+ price hike in the United States before the year concludes.