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It’s been a gaping hole in the Apple TV’s entertainment line-up, but BBC iPlayer has now appeared on the revamped set-top box.
Given that iPlayer is and has been available almost everywhere else for some time it’s a much needed step for Apple’s streaming device as it looks to compete with the Chromecasts and Fire TVs of this world.
As well as confirming the jump to Apple TV, the BBC also confirmed a new line-up of content and a major update to the app that will now enable users to stream content purchased from the new BBC Store via iPlayer.
IPlayer on AppleTV is better than my desktop iMac. A few bugs but well done BBC. My new default box decided. pic.twitter.com/0F5Y6l0XaB
— Paul Dunlop (@pauldunlop) December 13, 2015
The Store launched in November as a way of offering BBC ‘boxsets’ of popular shows as a way of competing with the likes of Amazon Prime, the Sky Store and beyond. The update now syncs this feature more fluidly with iPlayer, enabling users to playback anything bought in the Store through iPlayer under the My Programmes section – which will also now offer programme recommendations based on what you watch.
All of these will be familiar features to regular streamers, and signals intent from the BBC to be taken seriously not just in the catch-up market for Doctor Who and Strictly Come Dancing, but also for streaming favourites from the archive.
Dan Taylor-Watt, the head of BBC iPlayer said: “Christmas is a popular time for viewers to come to BBC iPlayer, as they unwrap new devices and browse and discover the BBC’s fantastic Christmas programmes.
“With the launch of iPlayer on new Apple TV, I’m delighted we’ve been able to give people another way of accessing the full breadth and range of BBC programmes.
“And, the updates to our mobile and tablet apps mean we can now deliver more personalised recommendations of BBC programmes to viewers, as well as the ability to stream BBC Store purchases directly from the iPlayer app.”
