While the BBC’s iPlayer has been available to iPhone users for some time, until now it has only been through a web browser. The latest update to the iOS iPlayer app means that there is now an app that can be used to watch the programmes you have missed from the BBC’s channels – this brings the same option that has been available to iPad users who have been able to take advantage of a dedicate app for a number of months.

While most people will be happy to be able to watch programmes at home using a wireless internet connection, the new iPhone app also allows for broadcasts to be streamed over a 3G connection. Adaptive bitrates are used to ensure the best possible quality for your connection speed but the option of using a 3g connection opens up the possibility to incur hefty data charges nonetheless.

One of the key draws of iPlayer is that it enables you to browse through programming from the past seven days and watch anything that takes your fancy, but it is also possible to watch live broadcasts as well as listening to live radio. If there is a particular show you want to ensure you don’t miss out on, the app can be used to add it to a list of favorites for easy access.

Providing your iOS device – be it an iPod, iPhone or iPad – has been updated to iOS 5, there is also support for AirPlay which means that it is now possible to stream content to your TV. But it is the 3G streaming that is the real headline grabber, as well as the fact that the app is now iPhone compatible. Similar features are promised for the Android version of the app in the near future.

You can find out more and download a free copy of the app by paying a visit to the BBC iPlayer review page.