Today, the BBC has announced that it is finally allowing people to download iPlayer content to their iPad and iPhone to watch them offline. Previously, although the iPlayer app was available to most users, they needed a live internet connection (either via Wi-Fi or 3G) to stream programmes.
Watch iPlayer shows offline with latest app update
Now, you can download those programmes and watch them wherever you happen to be: on a plane, a tube or abroad on holiday. The ability to watch shows outside of the UK is a side benefit, since iPlayer is available only to those with a UK IP address.
The downloaded programmes must be watched within 30 days, and once you've hit the play button, you have to finish watching within seven days. These restrictions are more than reasonable, and shouldn't even be noticed by most people.
The new feature is available for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch owners, with an update for the Android iPlayer app coming soon. We particularly like the ability to download multiple programmes at once, a feature that will also be available to Android users. There's no word on a Windows Phone update, or for other operating systems.
How to download iPlayer shows on your iOS device
Make sure you install the latest update for iPlayer. Launch the App Store and tap Updates - you should see an iPlayer update for version 2.0.0.
When you next launch the iPlayer app, it will open on the new Downloads tab.
To download something, go to the TV or Radio tabs, choose a show and tap the download button. You'll get a warning saying that shows can be downloaded only via Wi-Fi, and when the iPlayer app is showing on screen (not running in the background).
After the programme has downloaded, tap the play button to play it or, if you have several shows downloaded, tap the Downloads tab to see the list and choose one to play.
Long time coming
From our point of view, the ability to download programmes to your smartphone or tablet is well overdue. You've been able to do this on a PC or laptop for several years. The BBC says it's "iPlayer's strategy to move beyond the PC and make more quality BBC content available across mobile, tablet and internet connected TVs".
This suggests that there may be an option to download shows on smart TVs in the future.
Comments
Matt Egan said: But there are many many Android operating systems out there on live devices Android manufacturers are under no obligation to upgrade the software when Google updates Android and a quick look at our own phone comparison site shows that there are new phones being sold with everything from Android 23 forward Android 412 is - I think - the most up to date Throw in the fact that Samsung HTC LG and others all add their own customisation to the bast Android OS and youll understand not all Android devices can run all Android apps and if you are publishing apps that is a major consideration By contrast most people update iPhones to the latest OS Im right by the way so you may wish to apologise for the tone of your post You may not I dare say Ill survive
Rob said: For a tech expert you dont seem very clued up Android is one operating system the same as IOS is
Joe said: I downloaded two BBC Four programmes that had signing when the original programme did not Also the offline content cannot be watched properly unless you are actively not on 3G I had to turn my phone onto Airplane Mode before I could watch the content
Joe said: because you can already use iPlayer on Android phones via the website The iPhone doesnt allow this Native Android app will come soon
MarkG said: Theres nothing new about this For years it has been possible to download programmes from the iPlayer website for installation on portable media players - albeit via USB cable No reason not to watch these programmes on an android device
Nicholas Murphy said: Ive downloaded the app several times but cant find a download button Can anyone help
Matt Egan said: A single platform - easier to write for
Mike Piff said: Why iPhone before Android
Simon Greening said: I dont think you can download radio programmes just tv