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BBC iPlayer iOS app updated to support Spotlight search and Handoff between devices

The BBC has updated its iPlayer app for iOS to support Spotlight searches and allow Handoff between devices.

Spotlight support means that you to search for BBC TV shows by swiping down from the homescreen, while Handoff allows you to seamlessly pick up where you left off when switching between devices. The BBC notes that it has also fixed a nasty bug.

In addition to all that good stuff, we’ve also included a fix for a particularly nasty crash on launch, and last but not least, you can now find an entire catalogue of iPlayer programmes for a channel via the A-Z option in the channel page.

The iPlayer app made it onto Apple TV back in December.

BBC iPlayer is a free download from iTunes, but licensing restrictions means that content is limited to UK viewers.

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Comments

  1. Grayson Mixon - 9 years ago

    Why must they discriminate against Americans? We love free stuff. We love Doctor Who. We love free Doctor Who. I think even the British advertisements could be entertaining.

    • Ben Lovejoy - 9 years ago

      There are no ads on the BBC – it’s paid for by a license fee.

      • Grayson Mixon - 9 years ago

        What happens if you need to use the bathroom during a show? Or if your girlfriend wants to ask you something? You can’t say “Just wait until a commercial.” I feel like you are missing out on the commercial breaks.

        Second, they should offer iPlayer internationally with a subscription. I would pay $5 a month for BBC. I’m just saying. And launch a River Song spin off.

      • minieggseater - 9 years ago

        We currently pay about $18 a month in the licence fee and like all other taxes it just goes into the void that is government finances and then they set the amount they are going to give the state owned broadcaster to run on. The BBC is effectively a charity run by the government

    • Andrew Williams - 9 years ago

      Grayson. If your girlfriend talks to you during Doctor Who, you can pause live TV, which gives you plenty of time to show her the door. No need for commercial breaks.

    • Apaches911 - 9 years ago

      Don’t feel bad, in this respect we discriminate against everyone that does not pay the TV license. Especially the French, but that is only natural!

Author

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Ben Lovejoy

Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!


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