Video: BBC News apps launch for iPhone and iPad

The BBC News apps for iPhone and iPad have finally be unleashed onto the App Store, after initially being demoed way back in February.

The delays were due to complaints from the BBC’s commercial rivals. However, after a full investigation by the BBC Trust, the apps have been approved due to the growing trend “twoards free apps”.

The apps remain much the same as they were back in February. Content is broken down into swipe-able carousels for each category of news story, with some light customisation options available. A ticker across the top displays breaking news, while a button brings you to a live stream of BBC News itself. Stories can also be shared across social networks, or over email.

As a universal app, only one download is necessary to have it working with both phone and tablet devices.

“Our aim is to develop a set of core public service apps that bring some of the BBC’s most popular, distinctive and original content to mobile in an easy to use and convenient way” said the BBC’s David Madden. “The first of these apps is BBC News, and I’ll be letting you know about the other BBC apps soon.”

Android and BlackBerry version are also in the pipeline, expected to roll out before the end of the year.

Grab the apps by clicking here.