BBC Axes Desktop iPlayer Downloads – Offline Viewing on PCs Ends
The BBC has dealt a blow to thousands of viewers by scrapping the iPlayer Desktop Downloads App for Windows and Mac. From March 11, fans will no longer be able to download shows to their laptops or desktops for offline viewing.
Download Feature Goes Offline from March
The popular feature, a lifeline for those with dodgy internet or on the move, will disappear completely by April 8, when existing downloaded content becomes inaccessible. The change affects Windows 10 and 11 PCs, as well as all MacBook models, including MacBook Air and Pro.
Mobile Users Unscathed – But Laptop Fans Fuming
Good news for smartphone and tablet users – the iPlayer app on iPhones, Galaxy phones, and iPads will still let viewers download shows to watch offline. But laptop lovers have taken to social media in frustration. One user, Jo, criticised the move, saying it “really hurts those with unreliable internet connections.”
What Now for Offline iPlayer Fans?
The BBC urges affected users to seek other ways to enjoy their favourite programmes without an internet connection. But for many, losing the trusty desktop download app feels like a backward step in the streaming age.
