Disney+ has announced an increase in its subscription price for South African Premium monthly subscribers, rising from US$9.66 to US$10.88 per month, effective June 4, 2026. This 12.6% increase comes on the heels of a series of price adjustments, with new subscribers already facing this rate since April 30, 2026. The Mobile plan will remain unchanged at US$2.98 per month, and annual subscribers will not be affected.
This price hike reflects Disney’s assessment of the value of its content and marks the third increase in South Africa in under three years. When Disney+ launched in May 2022, the Premium monthly plan was priced at US$7.23. Since then, it has escalated to US$8.45 in July 2023 and US$9.66 in September 2024. Cumulatively, this represents a 50% increase for the most popular plan among South African subscribers. The pricing strategy is consistent, with US$1.22 increments every 18 months for the monthly Premium plan. This approach offers an incentive for cost-conscious customers to choose the annual plan, which currently costs US$96.63, saving subscribers US$34 compared to the monthly payment option.
The broader streaming landscape in South Africa has undergone significant changes recently. The closure of Showmax on April 30, 2026, after years of financial losses, leaves a noticeable gap in the market. The service, which provided local content and catered to the unique needs of South African viewers, has weakened the competitive environment for streaming services.
With Netflix holding 27% market share and raising prices, and Disney+ following suit, the competitive landscape is tightening further. DStv, owned by Canal+ through MultiChoice, stands as a unique entity in the market, leveraging its live sports offerings to secure a position that gives it greater pricing power than content libraries like Disney’s.
As the South African streaming market evolves, subscribers are likely to bear ongoing price increases. The end of a period in which services competed aggressively for viewers’ budgets signals a shift. With fewer strong local competitors, future price hikes may become the norm, indicating a challenging road ahead for South African streaming consumers.
