Xbox One BBC iPlayer app to launch ‘by the end of the year’


The long overdue Xbox One BBC iPlayer app is edging nearer, as the Beeb confirms the catch-up service will hit Microsoft’s latest console ‘by the end of the year’.


Despite owners of the rival PS4 having long had access to the BBC’s brilliant on-demand catch-up service direct from their consoles, those who plumped for the Xbox One have inexplicably been left waiting.


Now, however, fielding questions from disgruntled gamers, the broadcaster has confirmed the eagerly awaited app will land in the coming months.


I am happy to announce that we’re aiming to launch new BBC iPlayer on Xbox One by the end of this year,” Marcus Parnwell, the BBC’s Executive Product Manager in charge of iPlayer said in an official blog post.


Despite narrowing down the service’s Xbox-bound timeframe, Parnwell failed to explain why Xbox owners have been left waiting so long.


As well as making the jump to the Xbox One, iPlayer could soon feature on a number of other hardware platforms, with YouView boxes set to join the mix.


“We are working with YouView, Virgin Media and BT to bring new BBC iPlayer to these platforms,” Parnwell said.


“Whilst I cannot announce dates, we are targeting this year for these platforms. Similarly, other devices on our legacy version of BBC iPlayer will be migrated to the new version this year as well.”


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