Christmas is nearly upon us - just 11 days away - and many will be unwrapping the new Apple TV. Despite launching in October, the updated Apple TV has been without the BBC"s catchup service, iPlayer.
IPlayer on AppleTV is better than my desktop iMac. A few bugs but well done BBC. My new default box decided. pic.twitter.com/0F5Y6l0XaB
— Paul Dunlop (@pauldunlop) December 13, 2015
In the announcement stating that iPlayer will come to Apple TV, a list of shows - exclusive to iPlayer - were announced. They include:
- Luther: The Journey So Far
- Star Wars at the BBC
- EastEnders: Back To Ours, Danny Dyer and Kellie Bright
- The Voice UK: Meet The Coaches
- Matt Berry Does… Happy New You
Apple TV was really the only notable place where iPlayer was missing. For those in the UK, iPlayer is accessible on Web, Android, iOS, Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast and more.
Dan Taylor-Watt, Head of BBC iPlayer, said: “Christmas is a popular time for viewers to come to BBC iPlayer, as they unwrap new devices and browse and discover the BBC’s fantastic Christmas programmes. With the launch of iPlayer on new Apple TV, I’m delighted we"ve been able to give people another way of accessing the full breadth and range of BBC programmes."
For shoppers deciding which set-top box to buy for Christmas this year, the inclusion of BBC iPlayer may have been a big part as to whether or not they would buy the new Apple TV. Unfortunately for Apple, iPlayer may have been released a bit too late to sway prospective customers shopping for gifts this year.