Disney+ subscribers may soon face a technical hurdle: as of December 1, 2025, the streaming service will no longer work on certain older Apple devices. The news came directly from Disney+ via email, though the notice left many fans scratching their heads. The company did not specify exactly which devices would lose access, leaving questions about what constitutes “old” hardware unanswered.
On Reddit, users have been sharing screenshots of the email and comparing notes. One poster wrote, “Haven’t been able to find a list of devices that would be considered ‘obsolete’ as of yet. I do have some older 1st generation Apple TV 4K’s as well as I think maybe 2nd or 3rd generation Apple TV’s that haven’t been used in years. I never really saw a need to update to newer Apple TV’s as they work fine for what little TV we do watch on them. Has anyone else gotten this yet? If so what devices are you logged in on that could be considered older?”
Another Redditor echoed the confusion, highlighting that many longtime users still rely on older Apple hardware for streaming. “I was using my old Apple TV 4K and just found out I may not be able to log in after December,” they said. “It’s frustrating when devices that still function perfectly are suddenly unsupported.”
Just got this email that some older Apple devices will no longer be supported.
byu/Ancient_Ad7555 inDisneyPlus
Device Requirements and Workarounds
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iPhones: iOS 16.5 or later
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iPads: iPadOS 15.3 or later
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Apple TV: tvOS 16 or later on 4th generation and newer
Devices that cannot meet these requirements will no longer be able to run the Disney+ app after December 1. For older Apple TVs predating the 4th generation, there is still a workaround: users can stream content via AirPlay from a compatible Apple device or mirror their screen.
This change reflects a broader trend in streaming services phasing out support for legacy hardware to ensure app performance, security, and compatibility with new features. While it may inconvenience some users, Disney+ is likely aiming to standardize its platform for future updates, especially as the service continues to expand its content offerings.
What’s Coming to Disney+
Subscribers planning to upgrade—or hoping to enjoy the service on supported devices—have plenty to look forward to this November. Disney+ will offer new holiday-themed content from Food Network, including specials like Christmas Cookie Challenge and Holiday Baking Championship.
Marvel fans can stream Fantastic Four: First Steps, and anime enthusiasts can watch new episodes of Disney Twisted-Wonderland. Other notable releases include Fire and Water: Making the Avatar Films, the new season of Me and Mickey: In the Clubhouse, and the LEGO Marvel Avengers special.
Classic Disney programming isn’t being overlooked either. Starting November 5, Disney+ will feature its “Throwback” feed, highlighting favorite titles from 2010 and earlier. Meanwhile, the new “Seasons Streaming” feature, launching November 4, will provide a curated run of Thanksgiving- and holiday-themed movies and episodes.
Community Response
The Reddit thread shows mixed reactions from fans. Some users expressed frustration at being forced to upgrade hardware, while others saw it as an inevitable step in the evolution of streaming platforms. Many pointed out that their older devices still function perfectly for casual viewing, making the cutoff feel sudden and inconvenient.
One user commented, “It’s a shame that devices I’ve had for years that still work perfectly will no longer be compatible. But I guess that’s the reality of streaming in 2025.” Others are already planning to upgrade Apple TVs or iOS devices to avoid disruption.
Tips for Subscribers
If you’re unsure whether your device will be affected, check your operating system version:
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iPhone: Settings → General → About → Software Version
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iPad: Settings → General → About → Software Version
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Apple TV: Settings → System → About → tvOS Version
Devices that can’t update to the required OS versions will lose Disney+ access. In that case, consider AirPlay from a newer Apple device or screen mirroring as a temporary solution until a hardware upgrade is possible.
Disney+’s decision to end support for older Apple devices highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining streaming platforms across multiple generations of technology. While it may inconvenience some subscribers, the move is intended to streamline updates and improve app performance for the majority of users.
For anyone relying on older Apple hardware to watch Disney+, December 1, 2025, will mark a hard cutoff. With a busy holiday season of content on the way—including MCU releases, animated specials, and seasonal cooking shows—it’s important for subscribers to make sure their devices are ready or plan for an upgrade to continue enjoying Disney+ without interruption.
