EDIT: It seems the Apple TV app doesn’t enable you to stream content from the BBC Store just yet. That function is reserved for the BBC iPlayer mobile app.
A BBC spokesperson had this to say on the matter: “Basically, people who use BBC iPlayer’s mobile and tablet apps and sign-in will now be able to stream their BBC Store purchases directly from the app, as well as receive programme recommendations personalised to their tastes and preferences. This is separate to the iPlayer app in Apple TV.”
The BBC has released an iPlayer app for the Apple TV.
Recent research revealed that there were some 2,600 apps available for the new Apple TV just six weeks on from the launch of the latest model. However, one of the most popular services in the UK was not among them.
Indeed, there’s never been a native iPlayer app for the Apple TV. It was a notable omission given the broad range of devices the iPlayer app was available on.
However, the BBC announced its intention to launch an Apple TV iPlayer app back in October, and now it has done just that.
The new iPlayer app has a suitably bold, transparent UI that matches its new home closely. There are plenty of colourful themed backgrounds, as well as all the features you’ve come to expect of the service. You can stream recently aired programmes, mark shows up as favourites, and continue watching shows you’ve already started.
Related: 30 films, shows and documentaries to watch on Amazon Prime Video this Christmas
The BBC is going to be placing even more of an emphasis on its iPlayer service as it whittles down its regular service. Back in June, it was decided that BBC 3 and BBC One +1 would be axed, while last month the BBC announced that the red button was for the chop.
In all cases, the iPlayer is playing an important role in meeting the demand for additional content above and beyond the corporation’s terrestrial channels.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
