BBC viewers are slamming 'terrible decision' to remove much-loved iPlayer feature within weeks

BBC has announced a shock change to its iPlayer service, sparking anger among viewers.

The media giant is phasing out the iPlayer Downloads app for PCs and Macs in just a few weeks – and users will no longer be able to watch their favorite shows without an internet connection.

BBC has announced a huge change to its iPlayer serviceCredit: Alamy

The company is scrapping the iPlayer Downloads app for PC and MacCredit: Alamy

BBC iPlayer's download feature has served as a lifeline for daily tube commuters and passengers on flights who want to watch their favorite shows without an internet connection.

But the company has now announced that it will be scrapping the dedicated Player app for downloading shows.

On mobile phones the download functions are already packed into the BBC iPlayer app, but on desktop computers, where people watch iPlayer via the website, a separate app is needed to download programmes.

However, with increasing numbers of people turning to phones and tablets to consume media, the BBC has decided to close the download app, it is understood.

And has now started the process to terminate the app from PC and Mac.

While existing users who have installed the app can enjoy the feature for now, new users will not be able to download and install the BBC iPlayer download app.

Timeline of change

February 2, 2024 – BBC iPlayer has closed the download feature for new users.

March 11, 2024 – BBC iPlayer will close the download feature for existing users and the app will no longer exist on the internet.

April 8, 2024 – Existing downloads after this day will no longer be viewable and the BBC iPlayer Downloads app will be officially closed.

BBC iPlayer users are now condemning the company for the shocking move, saying it is a “terrible decision”.

One such viewer said: “I do NOT want to stare at a small mobile screen with poor sound quality to watch a movie/drama/nature show etc originally produced in HD.

“What BBC idiot or incompetent committee made this decision? With this withdrawal of features in mind I will certainly support any move to reject an increase in the BBC's licensing fees.”

Another wrote: 'What kind of people does the BBC employ to come up with this idiocy?

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“Have they actually tried to watch shows on a phone screen or have they looked at those of us who don't even have a smartphone or tablet?

“In addition, more and more people (like myself) are watching exclusively on a PC or laptop. Those people are now being excluded from the BBC TV audience.”

A third described it as a discriminatory move, saying: “Why are tablet and phone users being offered a superior service?

“I don't have an iPad and I don't want to watch on my phone, so now I'll be one of tens of thousands of people who will stop downloading content to watch at my convenience.”

The current BBC iPlayer Downloads app was released back in 2013, allowing people to download programs for offline viewing on desktop/laptop computers – both PCs and Macs.

Although the shutdown of the app seems like the end of an era, it doesn't stop offline viewing on mobile phones and tablets.

BBC has stressed that users can continue to download their favorite shows using the iPlayer app on mobile phones and tablets.

All you have to do is tap the download button below the episode description and you're good to go.