BBC users have limited time to watch unseen shows they have in the ‘downloads’ section of iPlayer, with the app set to be discontinued on Monday.
The BBC iPlayer Downloads app will no longer work on PCs and Macs in a previously announced move with the cooperation stating that fewer people are using the function.
Downloads will still work on the mobile app for iPlayer.
But while computer users can still stream shows, they will not be able to download them to watch offline - or even watch shows they had previously downloaded.
“We have started the process of closing the Desktop Downloads App,” the BBC has said.
“Downloading programmes from a computer or laptop will no longer be available from Monday 11 March. You can still watch your existing downloads until Monday 8 April 2024.”
Other ways around this feature termination don’t work either.
For example, MacBooks with one of Apple’s M-series processors can run iPhone and iPad apps. But when you search for iPlayer on the App Store on Mac, it’s not available.
Similarly, Windows 11 allows PCs to run Android apps, via Amazon’s Appstore. But, again, when you browse that library you’ll find BBC Sounds but not BBC iPlayer.
Fans of the app have been left unhappy.
David Ward tweeted: “I see BBC iPlayer downloads to a computer for TV programmes is due to end. Buffering often makes programmes unwatchable here without prior download.”
Dr Jamie Gallagher added: “Oh that's a shame. BBC iPlayer is stopping laptop downloads. I liked getting shows for train journeys.”
The BBC said: "We have made the difficult decision to close the Desktop Downloads app for BBC iPlayer, due to the low number of people using it and the cost required to keep it going.”
