BBC iPlayer to finish programme downloads for PCs and Macs

The BBC’s iPlayer streaming service is to finish downloads for customers who watch on desktop or laptop computer computer systems.

Programmes will nonetheless be accessible to obtain on tablets and telephones by way of the cellular iPlayer app.

Currently viewers on PCs and Macs can save programmes by way of the iPlayer Downloads app, however that will likely be closed.

The adjustments had been “due to the low number of people using it and the cost required to keep it going” the BBC stated.

“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 Macs,” a spokesperson added.

The BBC has printed a timeline of the deliberate adjustments:

The company declined to disclose how many individuals could be affected by the closure of downloads for customers of desktops and laptops, however the determination has attracted some criticism.

One person, Steve Gerrard, posted on X (previously Twitter): “This is terrible news. I watch almost all my BBC shows on my MacBook.”

And former BBC Journalist Robert Rea wrote: “This strikes me as a very bad move. Why would you want to make it harder to watch your programmes?”

Figures launched final yr present conventional TV viewing had its sharpest ever decline in 2022, in keeping with the newest annual survey of UK media consumption by broadcasting watchdog Ofcom.

But the BBC has been eager to spotlight “record” progress in digital companies.

iPlayer now accounts for 18% of the BBC’s whole viewing, Ofcom discovered.