A BBC iPlayer app will be shutting down for millions of users this week. But before you panic, it’s not quite as dramatic as it sounds. The app in question is, specifically, the iPlayer Download app for PC and Mac.
Read more: What is BritBox? The international ITV and BBC service explained
This means that the shutdown won’t affect any of the BBC iPlayer web, smartphone, tablet, or TV apps, but it does mean that those who relied on the iPlayer Download app to save their favourite shows on their laptops and desktops, will be forced to use their other devices if they wish to continue downloading programmes for offline viewing.
Pessimistic (and/or realistic) readers might argue that the move might be a way to nudge people towards Britbox’s subscription service, although BBC execs have instead previously stated that the reason for the closure is due to escalating costs associated with the service. Granted, the number of users who solely use Macs and PCs to download iPlayer shows are likely heavily outnumbered by those who use other devices, but it’s still a move that won’t be looked fondly upon by those affected.
Macs and PCs running the iPlayer Download app (which had been made unavailable for download since February) will lose access to iPlayer on 8 April, meaning that any download shows will be unavailable for viewing. Users can still access BBC iPlayer via a web browser, but if they want to download anything for offline viewing, they’ll be limited to the BBC iPlayer app on their smartphone or tablet. If you’re one of the users affected, feel free to peruse our list of the best cheap tablets, if you’d like a wallet-friendly alternative device for offline BBC iPlayer shenanigans.
Read more: These are the best budget tablets around
