BBC iPlayer users issued with urgent deadline ahead of major content block

03 March 2024 , 07:53

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BBC iPlayer warning (Image: GETTY)

Some BBC iPlayer users were warned last month that a useful download service was being shut down for good. That deadline is now looming and those wanting to watch shows on the move and when away from Wi-Fi or a mobile signal need to act fast.

The BBC says that it will be closing down its iPlayer Downloads application for PC and Mac laptops from March 11. Once this change comes into effect, users will no longer be able to store anything new on devices such as MacBook Pros or Windows-powered devices.

It’s a huge blow to fans of this platform but there is a way to carry on watching past the March closure.

If you act now you can still fill your hard drive full of BBC shows such as Eastenders, Gladiators or The Apprentice and continue to watch them for a little while longer.

The BBC has confirmed that all downloads made before March 11 will stay active on PCs until Monday, April 8.

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Speaking about the changes, the BBC said: “We have made the difficult decision to close the BBC iPlayer Downloads application for PC and Mac, due to the low number of people using it and the cost required to keep it going. 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.”

“From Monday 11 March, users will no longer be able to download programmes from the web. Users will still be able to watch any existing downloads until Monday 8 April 2024. From Monday 8 April, the BBC iPlayer Downloads app will be closed.”

Of course, after the shutdown of iPlayer on PCs, you can still download your favourite programmes using the iPlayer app on mobile and tablets with this service unaffected by the changes.

If you do love iPlayer on your laptop then its days are sadly numbered with low user numbers meaning the BBC clearly feels it’s no longer worth investing in.

Dave Snelling