Don't panic, the BBC iPlayer app should be on its way to the Google TV Streamer

So, you’ve finally got your hands on the new Google TV Streamer, eagerly scrolling through the Play Store only to realize — wait, where’s the BBC iPlayer app? If you’re in the UK, this feels like a major miss. The BBC iPlayer is practically a staple for watching everything from live sports to the latest dramas, and not having it on Google’s latest device is a bit of a head-scratcher. But hold on before you spiral into panic mode — this isn’t the first time this has happened. In fact, we’ve been here before.

Remember when Chromecast with Google TV launched back in 2020? BBC iPlayer wasn’t available then either. People faced the same frustrations, but fast forward a few weeks, and it quietly showed up, making itself right at home alongside other streaming giants. It’s safe to say that history is likely to repeat itself. While the BBC hasn’t officially announced plans to support the new Google TV Streamer, it’s hard to imagine iPlayer staying off the platform for long.

Sure, at launch, you might find yourself missing more than just iPlayer. Some other popular apps might also be playing hard to get. But don’t be discouraged — it’s all part of the launch process. When Chromecast with Google TV first dropped, the list of missing apps included heavyweights like Apple TV, yet within weeks, everything started falling into place.

If you’re itching to binge-watch your favorite shows in the meantime, casting from your phone is a popular workaround. It’s not the most elegant solution, but it should get the job done until the app formally makes its debut. And if you’re tech-savvy, you might have considered sideloading the app — though, spoiler alert, that’s not working so well right now either. The current versions of the iPlayer app just aren’t compatible with the new Google TV Streamer, which probably means the BBC needs to tweak a few things.

So, why is this even happening? Well, one reason could be the relatively limited availability of the new Google TV Streamer. With supply constraints and shipping delays, it’s possible that developers like the BBC haven’t had enough time to fully test and optimize their apps for the device. But the reality is that Google is betting big on making the Google TV Streamer its flagship streamer, so it’s only a matter of time before the BBC iPlayer gets on board.

For now, it’s all about playing the waiting game. But based on past experiences, you won’t have to wait too long before BBC iPlayer (and any other currently missing apps) joins the party. Just remember that this hiccup isn’t unusual, and Google’s new hardware is likely to get better app support as the weeks go by.

So, don’t sweat it too much. Your favorite apps are probably just fashionably late, and before you know it, the Google TV Streamer will be fully decked out with everything you need for the ultimate viewing experience.