After what feels like forever (well, six months to be exact), BBC iPlayer has finally made its way to Google’s premium streaming device – and it’s even bringing some extras with it.
Starting today, Google TV Streamer owners can download the BBC iPlayer app directly through their device or via the Google Play Store, ending a frankly bizarre situation that left many of us wondering if Google had forgotten the UK market entirely.
The cherry on top? The app supports 4K (UHD) content – a feature that’s still missing on some streaming devices – letting you enjoy the BBC’s rather limited (but slowly growing) catalogue of ultra-high-definition programmes.
The BBC has also added BBC One and BBC Two to the streamer’s Channels tab, making it easier to jump straight into live content alongside other UK telly channels.
A Frustratingly Long Wait
Today’s release closes a rather strange chapter in Google’s UK streaming story.
The tech giant launched its Google TV Streamer back in September 2024 as the pricier replacement for the Chromecast line, but somehow did so without bothering to include one of Britain’s most essential streaming platforms.
For nearly six months, users who shelled out £99 for the device had to faff about with casting BBC content from their phones or tablets – hardly the slick experience you’d expect after paying that much.
The BBC has now updated its device certification page, finally acknowledging the “Google TV Streamer 4K” as officially supported for iPlayer.
Not The First UK App To Go Missing
This isn’t the first time the Google TV Streamer has dropped the ball with UK apps. Channel 4’s streaming app was also notably AWOL at launch, though it eventually turned up in late October 2024, about six weeks after the device hit the shelves.
The BBC’s absence was particularly head-scratching, with both companies being maddeningly vague about what was causing the delay.
In February, the BBC would only say there was a “technical issue” they were working on with Google – not particularly helpful for those of us wondering when we might actually be able to watch EastEnders.
The lengthy certification process seemed odd to many, as the BBC typically approves devices much more quickly – usually within weeks rather than months – but we have seen longer delays in the past, such as with the Manhattan T4-R Freeview recorder.
The Google TV Streamer: What You’re Getting
For those who haven’t been keeping track, Google’s TV Streamer is quite different from the Chromecast it replaces.
Priced at £99 (compared to the Chromecast with Google TV, which is more wallet-friendly at £59), the new device is a proper set-top box rather than a dongle that dangles behind your telly (you can order it here).
It does pack in some hardware improvements:
- A faster processor that makes menus actually usable (though some are still saying the device is underpowered)
- 4GB of RAM (double the rather measly amount in the Chromecast)
- 32GB of storage for all your apps
- 4K HDR support with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
- AI features through Google’s Gemini tech (because everything needs AI these days)
- A better remote with a customisable button and a handy way to find it when it inevitably slips down the sofa
Earlier this year, Google quietly yanked the Chromecast with Google TV from its store, effectively forcing all new customers toward the pricier Streamer – despite its glaring app gaps for UK viewers.
Worth The Wait?
While most UK users will be relieved to finally get BBC iPlayer on their Google TV Streamers, the lengthy delay has left a sour taste for many.
For anyone who’s been holding off on buying the Google TV Streamer because of the iPlayer situation, this finally removes a major obstacle.
That said, Google really needs to make sure future devices launch with all major UK streaming services on board if they want to avoid brassed-off British customers – and for new streaming apps to come to the device promptly in the future.
The older Chromecast with Google TV, which did support BBC iPlayer from day one, is now increasingly hard to find, with stock vanishing from major retailers including Currys, Argos and Amazon.
For more streaming news, Subscribe to our free newsletter.
Yes, I think I vaguely remember this.
But thats the trouble when something disappears…it gets forgotten about and your viewers adapt to an alternative trend. So the question is why should I go back to something that has been long forgotten? And I really cant come up with an answer to this. Perhaps Google should of stuck to their guns and continued to adapt to any new changes, rather than disappear. Sorry Google, but when it comes to digital trends of how we recieve our content, that ship has long left port and set sail on its maiden voyage.
Still no UHD for the Now app
It possibly was a great option, until they yanked HD audio support (Even in pass-thru form) which is a bizarre choice.
Finally sorting iPlayer is a good step but the BBC must also shoulder some of the blame with its rather outdated need to have a device submitted to them – A simple approach like everyone else uses with a native Android TV app and get on with it!
I was considering this but no HD audio = nope for now!
It would be better if it remained forgotten.