Disney Plus TV Upgrade: Which TVs Get It

Disney Plus is rolling out a significant upgrade that affects how the service looks and performs on certain television sets, specifically those with advanced display capabilities. This upgrade, which includes improved streaming quality and a redesigned interface, is being delivered to a select group of TVs that meet specific hardware and software requirements. If you own a newer 4K or 8K television from a major manufacturer, there’s a good chance your Disney Plus app will soon look and run differently, with sharper images and a more personalized home screen.

What the Upgrade Includes

The upgrade primarily brings two major changes to compatible TVs: a new user interface and enhanced streaming technology. The redesigned interface focuses on simplifying navigation, making it easier to find content through a more intuitive layout, with larger artwork and a more prominent “Continue Watching” row. On the technical side, the upgrade introduces support for IMAX Enhanced content, which offers an expanded aspect ratio (1.90:1) for select titles, filling more of your screen. Additionally, it enables Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos passthrough on more devices, improving picture and sound quality for supported films and shows. The upgrade also lays the groundwork for future features, such as more personalized recommendations based on viewing habits.

Which TVs Are Eligible

Not every TV will receive this upgrade. Disney has been rolling it out in phases, prioritizing newer models that have the processing power and software support to handle the new interface and streaming codecs. Generally, the upgrade is available on:

• Smart TVs running webOS (LG) from 2020 or later, including OLED, QNED, and NanoCell models.
• Samsung TVs with Tizen OS, particularly 2020 and newer 4K and 8K models.
• Android TV and Google TV devices, including Sony Bravia and TCL models, that run Android TV 11 or higher.
• Roku TVs and Amazon Fire TV devices that have received the latest firmware updates.

If your TV is older than 2018, it may not support the new interface or the advanced video codecs required for IMAX Enhanced. Disney has not published a full list, but the rollout is tied to each manufacturer’s firmware updates, so checking for system updates on your TV is the first step.

How to Check If Your TV Has It

To see if your TV has received the upgrade, open the Disney Plus app and look for visual changes. The most obvious sign is a new home screen with a “Disney+ Originals” row near the top and a “Continue Watching” section that uses larger thumbnails. You can also check the app’s settings menu: look for a “Playback” or “App Version” section. If the version number is 2.0 or higher (on most platforms), you’re on the new build. Additionally, try playing an IMAX Enhanced title (like Avengers: Endgame or Black Widow); if the aspect ratio expands to fill your screen, the upgrade is active.

Common Issues and Fixes

Some users have reported issues after the upgrade, including app crashes, audio sync problems, or the interface feeling sluggish. Here are common problems and what to do:

• App crashes or freezes: Force-close the app, then restart your TV. If the problem persists, uninstall and reinstall the Disney Plus app.
• No IMAX Enhanced option: Make sure your TV supports HDR10 or Dolby Vision, and that the title you’re watching is IMAX Enhanced (look for the badge on the title’s detail page). Also, check that your TV’s picture mode is set to “Filmmaker” or “Cinema” – some modes disable the expanded aspect ratio.
• Interface lag: This is often due to insufficient storage or memory. Clear the app cache (on Android TV/Google TV) or restart your TV. If lag persists, check for a firmware update from your TV manufacturer.
• Audio out of sync: Go to the app’s audio settings and toggle “Dolby Atmos” off and on again. If that doesn’t work, restart your TV and soundbar/receiver.

How to Get the Upgrade If You Haven’t Yet

If your TV is compatible but hasn’t received the upgrade, you can often force it by updating the Disney Plus app manually. On most smart TVs, go to the app store (LG Content Store, Samsung Apps, Google Play Store) and check for updates. If no update is available, your TV may not have received the necessary firmware from the manufacturer. In that case, check your TV’s settings for a “System Update” or “Software Update” option and install any pending updates. Disney typically rolls out upgrades over several weeks, so patience is also a factor – if you don’t see it immediately, it may arrive in a few days.

What If Your TV Isn’t Compatible?

If your TV is older or from a brand that hasn’t received the upgrade, you still have options. The most straightforward is to use a streaming device that supports the new features. Devices like the Apple TV 4K, Roku Ultra, Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, and Chromecast with Google TV all receive Disney Plus updates directly from Disney, independent of your TV’s manufacturer. These devices will give you the new interface and IMAX Enhanced support, as long as your TV supports HDR (HDR10 or Dolby Vision) and has an HDMI port. Alternatively, you can continue using the old version of the app, but note that Disney may eventually phase out support for older app versions, so streaming quality might degrade over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the upgrade work on my 1080p TV?

No, the upgrade is designed for 4K and 8K TVs. The new interface may appear on 1080p TVs, but IMAX Enhanced and Dolby Vision features require a 4K panel with HDR support. If you have a 1080p TV, you’ll still get the new layout, but not the advanced picture features.

Does the upgrade cost extra?

No, the upgrade is free. It’s part of Disney Plus’s standard service, and you don’t need a higher-tier subscription to access the new interface or IMAX Enhanced content. However, some titles with IMAX Enhanced may only be available in that format on the Premium plan (which includes 4K), but the feature itself is free.

Why is my TV not getting the upgrade even though it’s new?

If your TV is new but not receiving the upgrade, it could be because the manufacturer hasn’t pushed the necessary firmware update for Disney Plus. Sometimes, TV manufacturers delay updates for specific models. Check your TV’s support page or contact the manufacturer for an update timeline. Also, ensure your Disney Plus app is updated to the latest version.

Can I use the old interface if I don’t like the new one?

No, once the upgrade is installed, there’s no option to revert to the old interface. Disney doesn’t offer a “classic mode.” However, you can provide feedback through the app’s “Help” section, and Disney may adjust features based on user input.

Does the upgrade affect data usage?

Yes, the upgrade may increase data usage because IMAX Enhanced content and Dolby Vision streams are higher bitrate. If you have a data cap, you may want to lower the streaming quality in the app’s settings (e.g., from “Auto” to “4K” or “1080p”) to reduce data consumption.

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