BBC iPlayer users have been issued a final warning as the Desktop Downloads app will stop working on PC and Mac from tomorrow, April 8. The closure means users will no longer be able to play downloaded shows on desktop computers.
However, viewers can still stream on-demand and live programmes via the BBC iPlayer website on their computers. The change does not affect the mobile app on Android and iOS devices, where downloads remain available.
From March 11, users were unable to download new programmes from the web, but existing downloads could be watched until the April 8 deadline. After this date, an internet connection will be required to watch iPlayer content on a computer or laptop.
A BBC spokesperson said: 'We have made the difficult decision to close the 'Desktop Downloads' app for BBC iPlayer, due to the low number of people using it and the cost required to keep it going.' The move comes as the TV licence fee rose from £159 to £169.50 on April 1.
