BBC iPlayer app launches on Apple TV

BBC has launched its official iPlayer catch-up app for the new Apple TV just in time for Christmas.

BBC is the first terrestrial UK broadcaster to launch a dedicated tvOS app

The BBC has delivered on the promise it made shortly after the launch of the new Apple TV and rolled-out an official iPlayer app in time for Christmas.

The new BBC iPlayer app appeared on the tvOS App Store last night.

iPlayer is a free download, but since it requires a TV license, the TV app is restricted to the UK version of the tvOS App Store.

BBC iPlayer will be coming to the new Apple TV in the coming months...

— BBC iPlayer (@BBCiPlayer) October 29, 2015

BBC has redesigned its iPlayer interface so it appears like a native tvOS app

The free app supports on-demand content and live HD streaming

The BBC is the first UK terrestrial channel to support Apple's latest hardware

Head of BBC iPlayer Dan Taylor-Watt 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. And, the updates to our mobile and tablet apps mean we can now deliver more personalised recommendations of BBC programmes to viewers, as well as the ability to stream BBC Store purchases directly from the iPlayer app.”

BBC has redesigned its hugely popular catch-up streaming service with a native tvOS interface. Programmes are sorted either by channel or genre.

The app includes on-demand and live content from BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three, BBC Four, CBeebies and more.

BBC iPlayer joins some 2,600 new apps and games available on the fourth generation Apple TV

BBC iPlayer does not yet support Siri voice commands, demoed above in iTunes

Unfortunately the app does not support Siri voice control or search, which is currently limited to iTunes video content in the UK.

BBC is increasingly focused on its on-demand and online output, including a number of exclusive online shows, like iPlayer chat-show 'Frank Skinner On-Demand With…'.

The broadcaster has previously announced plans to move BBC Three to an online-only channel from February next year.

Despite only being on sale for some six weeks, the fourth-generation Apple TV has already racked up an impressive 2,600 apps.

However many UK broadcasters have been slow to roll-out native apps for the new hardware and dedicated App Store.

Sky's a-la-carte Now TV platform recently appeared on the service, but ITV Hub and Channel Four's All 4 are still absent.