BBC iPlayer users are furious as the broadcaster reveals plans to end downloads for computers – with one viewer calling it an ‘illogical decision’

BBC iPlayer is set to end downloads for computers and laptops – and users are not happy.

The news has caused outrage in X (previously Twitter)and one furious user called it “an illogical decision.”

Another said: “I honestly don’t know what’s going on with the BBC, it seems like they’re doing everything they can to destroy themselves.”

Another posted: ‘Why?’ This is terrible news. I watch almost all my BBC programs on my MacBook.’

Other users were frustrated because they were forced to watch content on a smaller screen every time they wanted to watch iPlayer downloads.

One of them posted: “I do NOT want to look at a small mobile screen with poor sound quality to watch a movie/drama/wildlife show etc. originally produced in HD.”

The BBC said it had made a “difficult decision” due to the “low number of people using it and the cost required to keep it running”.

People who watch BBC iPlayer downloads on their smartphone or tablet are not affected, he added.

“This does not affect downloads on the BBC iPlayer mobile or tablet apps and viewers can continue to stream programs on BBC iPlayer on their PCs and Macs,” a spokesperson said.

On mobile phones, the ability to download content on BBC iPlayer is integrated into the app for iOS and Android.

However, on desktop, users had to download a dedicated app: the BBC iPlayer Downloads app.

Since early February, the app has not been available to download as the BBC prepares to end the service.

From March 11, the streaming service will no longer allow users to download content on a PC or Mac, the BBC has confirmed.

People will still be able to view any existing downloads on their PC or Mac until April 8, after which date the service will cease to exist.

It means everyone will need an internet connection if they want to watch iPlayer content on their computer or laptop.

Alternatively, if they still want to view iPlayer downloads, they will have to use a smartphone or tablet.

BBC iPlayer downloads have been essential for workers who like to watch content on their laptop while traveling.

When watching iPlayer with an Internet connection on the go, the service can be temperamental when users enter “non-spot” areas of low network coverage.

An alternative is to use mobile data as a personal hotspot to connect the laptop to the Internet, but this could push them to opt for more expensive data allowances.

BBC iPlayer is a free service in the sense that it does not charge a monthly fee, unlike other streaming giants such as Netflix or Disney+.

However, it requires the account owner to pay for a TV license, the cost of which will increase from £159 to £169.50 from April 1 this year.

That equates to a monthly cost of just over £14, almost three times the cost of Netflix’s cheapest tier (£4.99).

BBC bosses were reportedly hoping for a bigger rise in the TV license price.

However, ministers pushed to settle for an increase in line with September’s 6.7 percent inflation rate rather than the longer-term inflation rate of 9 percent.

Although the license fee is not a payment for BBC services, license fee income is used to fund the BBC.