EntertainmentStreamingBBC iPlayer scraps offline viewing feature that MacBook and laptop owners will miss mostChanges to TV downloads coming in MarchWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
EntertainmentStreamingBBC iPlayer scraps offline viewing feature that MacBook and laptop owners will miss mostChanges to TV downloads coming in MarchWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Changes to TV downloads coming in March
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Rik Henderson / Future)
(Image credit: Rik Henderson / Future)
Quick SummaryThe BBC is to shut down its BBC iPlayer Downloads application for Mac and PC.Users will no longer be able to download BBC programming to watch offline from 11 March.
The BBC is to shut down its BBC iPlayer Downloads application for Mac and PC.Users will no longer be able to download BBC programming to watch offline from 11 March.
The BBC is to shut down its BBC iPlayer Downloads application for Mac and PC.Users will no longer be able to download BBC programming to watch offline from 11 March.
The BBC is to shut down its BBC iPlayer Downloads application for Mac and PC.
Users will no longer be able to download BBC programming to watch offline from 11 March.
The BBC has announced that it is restricting offline viewing on BBC iPlayer from March. However, only certain devices will be affected.
That’s because it is ditching the ability to download TV shows and films on PC and Mac through their respective apps. Mobile devices, such asiPhoneandAndroid handsets, will be unaffected.
“This does not affect downloads on the BBC iPlayer mobile or tablet apps and viewers can continue to stream programmes on BBC iPlayer on their PCs and Mac,” said a spokesperson to thecorporation’s website.
PC and Mac owners may have already noticed that the dedicated BBC iPlayer Downloads app is, ironically, no longer available to download from respective app stores.
New downloads will then end on 11 March 2024, although viewers will still be able to watch previously downloaded content until April.
Then, on 8 April, the BBC iPlayer Downloads app will no longer work or be supported. You are advised to uninstall it from this date.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
While many might not have used the feature in the past, those who regularly travel may have replied on the service to watch BBC TV shows on their MacBooks or laptops.
As the BBC itself reports, one former employee has posted his bemusement onX (formerly Twitter): “This strikes me as a very bad move. Why would you want to make it harder to watch your programmes?”
Today’s best MacBook Pro dealsApple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 (2023)$1,599$1,349.95ViewSee all pricesApple MacBook Pro 16-inch M3 (2023)$2,798ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best MacBook Pro dealsApple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 (2023)$1,599$1,349.95ViewSee all pricesApple MacBook Pro 16-inch M3 (2023)$2,798ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best MacBook Pro dealsApple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 (2023)$1,599$1,349.95ViewSee all pricesApple MacBook Pro 16-inch M3 (2023)$2,798ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best MacBook Pro deals
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 (2023)$1,599$1,349.95ViewSee all pricesApple MacBook Pro 16-inch M3 (2023)$2,798ViewSee all prices
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 (2023)$1,599$1,349.95ViewSee all prices
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 (2023)$1,599$1,349.95ViewSee all prices
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 (2023)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 (2023)
$1,599$1,349.95View
$1,599$1,349.95
$1,349.95
See all prices
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch M3 (2023)$2,798ViewSee all prices
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch M3 (2023)$2,798ViewSee all prices
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch M3 (2023)
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch M3 (2023)
$2,798View
$2,798
$2,798
See all prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Samsung Galaxy S25: every leak, rumour and spec we’ve heard before the launch eventThis is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets
This is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets
This case turns your iPhone or Android phone into an e-reader, but there’s a catchActually, there are a couple…
Actually, there are a couple…
BBC iPlayer getting a supersized sci-fi surprise decades in the makingA big treat for Doctor Who fans is coming to the BBC
A big treat for Doctor Who fans is coming to the BBC
How to watch the Euro 2024 final for free – online and on TVSpain v England live
Spain v England live
Is BBC iPlayer showing Euro 2024 in 4K HDR?Strange broadcast decisions might spoil your enjoyment of the action
Strange broadcast decisions might spoil your enjoyment of the action
BBC’s Wimbledon 2024 coverage to get big picture boost that’ll please the puristsWill broadcast tennis in 4K HDR again
Will broadcast tennis in 4K HDR again
Sky ditches some BBC channels, but for good reasonYou might find a selection of channels missing
You might find a selection of channels missing
Forget Squid Game, the best reality show launched a year ago and is coming backHave you stayed faithful to The Traitors?
Have you stayed faithful to The Traitors?
BBC confirms death of Top Gear, but there are still 33 series available to stream on iPlayerThe popular motoring show has been shelved indefinitely after Freddie Flintoff’s accident
The popular motoring show has been shelved indefinitely after Freddie Flintoff’s accident
Inside Man is a fascinating new drama starring David Tennant – I just wish it had a better endingThe new four-part mini-series from Steven Moffat is now streaming on BBC iPlayer
The new four-part mini-series from Steven Moffat is now streaming on BBC iPlayer
