Got a tip for us?Let us know

a. Send us an email
b. Anonymous form

BBC iPlayer for iOS Adds Handoff Support and Spotlight Search

Friday February 5, 2016 4:42 AM PST by Tim Hardwick

BBC's iPlayer app has been updated for iOS users in the UK today, bringing added support for Spotlight search and Apple's Handoff feature.

Users of the app can now directly search for TV programs from their home screen by activating Spotlight search with a swipe down gesture, while the addition of Handoff support enables viewers to pick up where they left off when switching to another iOS device.

The update also patches a bug that led to the app crashing on launch for some users, and adds a full catalog of iPlayer programs to the channel page via the A-Z option.

The UK broadcaster recently brought its iPlayer app to Apple TV after initially stating it had no plans to make the service available on the platform.

BBC iPlayer is a free download for users in the UK. [Direct Link]

Tags: BBC iPlayer, Handoff, Spotlight

Top Rated Comments

SimonTheSoundMa

131 months ago

Spotlight index, one step closer to Siri support on the Apple TV!

Seems the BBC have made a database compatible for Apple.

Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

reece1605

131 months ago

Spotlight searching for a bbc program isn't working for me after this update. Anyone else able to get it to work?

Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Donfor39

131 months ago

Well done bbc, just tried handoff from iphpone6-macbook and macbook-iphone6

Currently viewing click for a techie feed, works excellent.

SkyQ needs to be launched very soon;)

Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

mazz0

131 months ago

Nope, search not working for me either, even after closing the app through app switcher.

Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Defender2010

131 months ago

Wasn't working for me until I closed the app in multitasking and reopened.
Does this update work with Apple TV universal search? Haven't had a chance to try it yet

Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Read All Comments

Popular Stories

Apple's CarPlay Ultra to Expand to These Vehicle Brands Later This Year

Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by Joe Rossignol

Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. In his Powe...

• 88 comments

Apple's Next Launch is 'Imminent'

Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by Joe Rossignol

The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models. "All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...

New MacBook Pros Reportedly Launching Alongside macOS 26.3

Sunday February 1, 2026 5:42 am PST by Joe Rossignol

Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips alongside macOS 26.3, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "Apple's faster MacBook Pros are planned for the macOS 26.3 release cycle," wrote Gurman, in his Power On newsletter today. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated for the macOS 26.3 software cycle, which runs from...

• 137 comments

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by Joe Rossignol

We are still waiting for the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to come out, so the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week or two away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...

• 25 comments

Apple Gives Final Warning to Home App Users

Tuesday February 3, 2026 8:55 am PST by Joe Rossignol

In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching. In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...

• 42 comments