The BBC’s iPlayer streaming service will no longer offer downloads for users who watch on desktop or laptop computers. However, downloads will still be available for tablets and phones through the mobile iPlayer app. The decision to end downloads for desktop and laptop users was made due to low usage and the cost of maintaining the service. The changes will be implemented in stages, with new downloads ending on 2 February, downloading from the web ending on 11 March, and the iPlayer Downloads app being closed on 8 April. The BBC has not disclosed the number of users affected by this decision, but it has received criticism from some viewers who prefer to watch BBC shows on their computers. Despite the decline in traditional TV viewing, the BBC has seen significant growth in its digital services, with iPlayer accounting for 18% of total viewing.
Not for human consumption
