Fury after BBC iPlayer users discover broadcaster's 'terrible' plans to get rid of key feature

  • iPlayer downloads for PCs and Macs will no longer be available for new users 

Users of BBC iPlayer are furious at the broadcaster’s ‘terrible’ plans to get rid of a key feature.

The platform has decided to axe its iPlayer downloads for PCs and Macs, meaning viewers will no longer be able to watch content without an internet connection on their computers.

The special feature which has been essential for commuters and travellers so that they can watch their favourite shows without wasting data or in areas of unreliable service, will begin to be phased out this month.

Users will be able to continue using the download feature on the mobile phone app, it is only being dismantled on the desktops app.

Since February 2, new users of the streaming services have not been able to download and install BBC iPlayer and then from April 8 all desktops will no longer be able to use the platform.

fury after bbc iplayer users discover broadcaster's 'terrible' plans to get rid of key feature

The broadcaster has decided to axe its iPlayer downloads for PCs and Macs, meaning viewers will no longer be able to watch content without an internet connection

However users of the broadcaster’s playback service are not happy with the decision.

Steve Gerrard wrote on the social media platform X about the change: ‘Why?? This is terrible news. I watch almost all my BBC shows on my MacBook :(‘

He added: ‘It’s really inconvenient as I often watch stuff when there’s no wifi.’

Another user responded in agreement: ‘What’s worse is that the BBCiPlayer could check (/uncheck) the box to allow iPad app Catalyst compatibility for Apple Silicon if it’s about maximising limited resources, which is not unfair.

‘Wouldn’t help Intel Mac or PC i appreciate but why actively stop it?’

Andrew Joynson added: ‘This is a discriminatory move by the BBC. Why are tablet and phone users offered a superior service?

‘I don’t have an iPad and I don’t want to watch on my phone so now I’m going to be one of 10’s of thousands of people who’ll stop downloading content to watch at my convenience.’

The current BBC iPlayer Downloads App was released in 2013 allowing people to download programmes for offline viewings on desktops and laptops both for PCs and Macs.

The BBC said in a statement: ‘We have started the process of closing the Desktop Downloads App.

‘Downloading programmes from a computer or laptop will no longer be available from Monday, March 11 but you can still watch your existing downloads until Monday 8 April 2024.’

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