BBC iPlayer Update Hints at Imminent Release of Apple's TV App in the UK

IMG E8AB6D91667E 1BBC's iPlayer app received an update this morning that is fueling speculation online that Apple's TV app will hit U.K. shores imminently.

iPlayer's changelog for version 4.35.0 of the app simply lists "support for the new Apple TV app, available to users with devices running iOS 11.2 and above".

Apple's TV app – billed as an easy way to watch your favorite movies and TV shows in a single place – has been available in the United States since December of 2016, but remains absent from Apple TVs and iOS devices in the United Kingdom and across the rest of Europe.

In September, Apple released the Apple TV app in Canada and Australia, and announced that it would be bringing the app to France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, and the U.K. by the end of the year.

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The BBC's mention is just the latest indication that the TV app should make an appearance very soon, in the U.K. at least.

Channel 5 was another British broadcaster Apple said it would be adding to its TV app, and last week the My5 app began appearing on Apple TVs. On Tuesday, ITV announced its ITV Hub was available on Apple TV, while Wednesday saw the global rollout of Amazon Prime Video on Apple TV, which also supports the native TV app.

Related Roundup: Apple TV
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)

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Top Rated Comments

Gorms Avatar
98 months ago
No lie, it's been a pretty good week for us ATV users in the U.K.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MyAppleWorld Avatar
98 months ago
Just need 4oD and then I can ditch my amazon stick and buy Apple TV
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
conormeade Avatar
98 months ago
Finally! Hopefully Apple Pay Cash isn’t far behind....
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Moccasin Avatar
98 months ago
Just need 4oD and then I can ditch my amazon stick and buy Apple TV
Yes Channel 4 joining in would be great. Hopefully they are now feeling ashamed - they've let us down, let themselves down.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
brandscill Avatar
98 months ago
Only way to get all 4 on there is to make a noise so they know there’s demand
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mkaiser1 Avatar
98 months ago
Let’s all be very clear here:
1. It’s a great step forward.
2. There are some key services missing that would make this a huge - HUGE - deal and massively used Service and would justify the purchase of an Apple TV. These are things they advertised WOULD be on the TVApp from launch in the UK and are not so I assume they are sorting. They are NETFLIX and NOWTV.
3. Other services required include ALL4 and DisneyLife, but sort number 2 and this ‘little app’ becomes a game changer for UK user in my opinion.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)