BBC iPlayer users are furious as the broadcaster reveals plans to end downloads for computers – with one viewer calling it an ‘illogical decision’

By William On Feb 14, 2024

BBC iPlayer is set to end downloads for computers and laptops – and users aren’t happy.

The news has sparked outrage X (formerly Tweet)with one furious user calling it ‘an illogical decision’.

Another said: ‘I honestly don’t know what’s going on with the BBC, they seem to be doing their best to destroy themselves.’

Another wrote: ‘Why?? This is terrible news. I watch almost all my BBC programs on my MacBook.’

Other users were frustrated at being forced to watch content on a smaller screen when trying to view iPlayer downloads.

BBC iPlayer is making a big change next month – and it’s bad news for anyone who watches their favorite shows on a computer or laptop

The decision appears to be causing outrage on social media, with one person on X (Twitter) calling it ‘an illogical decision’

iPlayer axle downloads for PCs and Macs

By Friday February 2new users cannot download and install the BBC iPlayer Downloads app
By Monday March 11users can no longer download programs from the Internet. Users can still view any existing downloads until Monday, April 8, 2024
By Monday April 8the BBC iPlayer Downloads app will close

One posted: ‘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.’

The BBC said it made the “difficult decision” because of the “low numbers of people using it and the costs required to keep it running.”

People who watch BBC iPlayer downloads on their smartphone or tablet will not be affected by this.

“This will not affect downloads on the BBC iPlayer mobile or tablet apps and viewers can continue to stream programs on BBC iPlayer on their PCs and Macs,” a spokesperson said.

On mobile phones, the ability to download content on BBC iPlayer is built into the app for iOS and Android.

On desktop, however, users had to download a special app: the BBC iPlayer Downloads app.

The app has been unavailable for download since early February as the BBC prepares to close the service.

From March 11, the streaming service will no longer let users download content to PC or Mac, the BBC has confirmed.

‘My phone screen is small’: Users are frustrated because they were forced to view content on a smaller screen when trying to view iPlayer downloads

Another wrote: ‘Why?? This is terrible news. I watch almost all my BBC programs on my MacBook

People can still view existing downloads on their PC or Mac until April 8. After that, the service will cease to exist.

It means that everyone needs an internet connection if they want to watch iPlayer content on their computer or laptop.

If they still want to view iPlayer downloads, they will have to use a smartphone or tablet instead.

BBC iPlayer downloads have been essential for workers who like to watch content on their laptops while commuting.

When watching iPlayer on the go with an internet connection, the service can be temperamental when users enter ‘non-spot’ areas with low network coverage.

An alternative is to use mobile data as a personal hotspot to connect the laptop to the internet, but this could push them towards more expensive data limits.

BBC iPlayer is a free service in that it does not charge a monthly fee, unlike other streaming giants such as Netflix or Disney+.

This iPlayer message informs users of the decision to end downloads for desktop and laptop computers, both PC and Mac

Pictured: the BBC iPlayer Downloads app. The BBC has started to shut down the BBC iPlayer Downloads app for PC and Mac

However, it does require the account owner to pay for a TV license, the cost of which will increase from £159 to £169.50 from April 1 this year.

That works out to a monthly cost of just over £14 – almost three times the cost of Netflix’s cheapest tier (£4.99).

BBC chiefs had reportedly hoped for a bigger price rise for the TV license.

However, ministers urged to settle for an increase in line with inflation of 6.7 percent in September instead of the longer-term inflation of 9 percent.

Although the license fee is not a payment for BBC services, license fee income is used to fund the BBC.