Disney+ fans, brace yourselves: the streaming service just dropped a quiet-but-important update, and it’s causing a stir online. As of December 1, 2025, Disney+ will no longer support older Apple devices. That means if you’ve been happily streaming Mickey, Marvel, or your favorite Food Network holiday specials on an aging iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV, it may be time to start thinking about an upgrade.
The announcement came via email from Disney+, but here’s the kicker: the notice didn’t specify exactly which devices would be considered “old.” The vague wording has left subscribers scrambling to figure out whether their trusty first-generation Apple TV 4K or hand-me-down iPad will suddenly stop working.
One Reddit user summed up the confusion perfectly:
“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?”
Other fans jumped into the thread sharing their concerns. One commented, “It’s frustrating when devices that still function perfectly are suddenly unsupported.” Another noted that Disney+’s push aligns with the company’s increasing focus on app performance and compatibility, even if it means leaving long-serving devices behind.
Just got this email that some older Apple devices will no longer be supported.
byu/Ancient_Ad7555 inDisneyPlus
Which Apple Devices Will Keep Working?
While Disney+ hasn’t released an official “doomed devices” list, tech experts and online resources suggest the cutoff roughly aligns with system requirements for the latest app:
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iPhone: iOS 16.5 or later
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iPad: iPadOS 15.3 or later
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Apple TV: tvOS 16 or later for 4th generation and newer
If your device falls short of these OS requirements, the Disney+ app will no longer run after December 1. Older Apple TVs—those predating the 4th generation—aren’t entirely out of luck, though. Users can still AirPlay content from a newer device or mirror their screen to watch Disney+ shows and movies.
Why This Matters Now
Disney+’s timing isn’t accidental. With the holiday season approaching, the platform is rolling out a slew of new content. Subscribers will soon have access to Food Network specials like Christmas Cookie Challenge and Holiday Baking Championship, MCU releases such as Fantastic Four: First Steps, and even the next chapters of Disney Twisted-Wonderland. There’s also a mix of documentaries, K-pop series (SEVENTEEN: Our Chapter), and classics like Mickey Mouse Clubhouse content revamped for modern viewers.
In other words, December 1 isn’t just a tech cutoff—it’s the moment when subscribers using unsupported Apple devices could miss out on a major wave of holiday programming.
How the Community is Reacting
Reddit, as expected, is buzzing with reactions. Fans are split between resignation and outrage. Many long-time users feel blindsided, noting that their older Apple hardware works perfectly fine. “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,” one user commented.
Others are pragmatic, already planning upgrades. “I’ve been meaning to get a new Apple TV anyway, so at least this gives me a concrete deadline,” a Redditor said.
Tips for Subscribers
If you’re unsure whether your device will survive the purge, check your software 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 unable to meet the OS requirements won’t run Disney+ after December. For those still on older hardware, AirPlay or screen mirroring from a compatible Apple device is your stopgap option—but it’s not as seamless as the app itself.
Disney+’s decision to cut off older Apple devices underscores a broader trend in streaming: the push to modernize apps and standardize platforms. While it may inconvenience some subscribers, it’s aimed at improving performance, security, and overall user experience.
For anyone still holding on to their first-gen Apple TV 4K, older iPad, or vintage iPhone, December 1 is a hard deadline. With a major wave of new content—including MCU releases, cooking shows, documentaries, and holiday specials—Disney+ is making it clear: the future of streaming is here, and it won’t be running on legacy hardware.
Whether you’re upgrading or improvising with AirPlay, Disney+ fans now have a clear choice: get current, or risk missing out on the magic.
