BBC World News
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Analysis by LookedApp · Published
The BBC World News app provides extensive global news coverage, offering articles, live streams of the BBC News channel, and a wide array of audio and video content including podcasts and documentaries. It caters to individuals seeking comprehensive and timely news updates from a global perspective, available on both major mobile platforms. However, some premium content, such as certain documentaries and uninterrupted live news channel streaming, requires an in-app subscription.
What is BBC World News?
The BBC World News app, titled "BBC: World News & Stories" on mobile storefronts, offers a platform for news, stories, audio, videos, documentaries, and live coverage from the BBC's global journalists. It delivers breaking news, articles, podcasts, and videos on world news, UK news, elections, and investigations. Topics include business, technology, health, culture, arts, travel, and Earth-related stories.
This application is published by BBC Studios Distribution Ltd., making it available to a wide audience. Users can access the app through Google Play, where it holds a content rating of 'Teen', and the App Store, which rates it '12+'. The app was initially released on Google Play on 2011-06-09 and on the App Store on 2010-04-01, demonstrating its long-standing presence in the mobile news landscape.
Beyond articles, the app provides live streaming of the BBC News channel for 24/7 world news. Users can listen live to BBC World Service and Radio 4, in-app or as background audio. It also offers on-demand podcasts, such as The Global Story and World of Secrets, downloadable for offline listening. Documentaries on history, true crime, royalty, and global affairs are accessible, with some requiring an in-app purchase.
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Is this the real BBC World News app?
- Verified publisher infoSame developer on Google Play and the App Store (BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.), and the developer website bbc.com matches the publisher.
- Established since 2010Listed since Apr 1, 2010, 10,000,000+ installs on Google Play.
| Developer on Google Play | BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Developer on the App Store | BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. |
| Same developer on both stores | Yes |
| Android package name | bbc.mobile.news.ww |
| iOS bundle ID | uk.co.bbc.news |
| On the stores since | Apr 1, 2010 |
| Installs on Google Play | 10,000,000+ |
| Developer website | bbc.com |
| Content rating | Google Play: Teen / App Store: 12+ |
These details come from the public store listings. LookedApp doesn't host downloads: install from the Google Play or App Store buttons on this page.
Key features
- Users can stream the BBC News channel live for 24/7 world news coverage directly within the application.
- The app allows for live listening to BBC World Service and Radio 4, with background audio playback capabilities.
- A variety of on-demand podcasts, such as The Global Story and World of Secrets, are available for listening and offline download.
- Documentaries covering diverse subjects like history, true crime, and global affairs can be streamed, with some requiring an in-app purchase.
- Breaking news alerts can be enabled or disabled, keeping users informed of significant developments.
- The app includes features like dark mode for reading, adjustable font size, and the ability to save articles, podcasts, and videos for later.
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Privacy and permissions
When installed from Google Play, the BBC World News app requests permission groups such as 'Phone' for device ID and call information, 'Photos/Media/Files' and 'Storage' for media access, and 'Wi-Fi connection information'. These permissions support functionalities like managing downloaded content or optimizing data usage.
If a user opts for breaking news alerts, a unique device identifier will be stored by Airship for the BBC to provide this service. Users can unsubscribe from alerts via device settings. The data processor AppsFlyer collects information for attribution and analysis; users can opt out via their ‘Forget My Device’ form. The BBC states it keeps user information private and does not share it, adhering to its Privacy and Cookies Policy and Terms of Use.
BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. publishes its privacy policy at www.bbc.com.
BBC World News permissions in plain English
The Google Play listing shows 5 permission groups. Google Play also lists 6 other permissions, such as “view network connections”. That is about as many as most streaming, tv & news apps LookedApp reviews (typical: 5).
- Device ID & call informationCan read your device ID and call status
- PhoneCan read phone status or make calls
- Photos/Media/FilesCan read and change your photos, media and files
- StorageCan read and change files in shared storage
- Wi-Fi connection informationCan see Wi-Fi connection details
The App Store privacy label lists these data types:
- Used to track you: Location, Browsing History, Identifiers, Usage Data
- Linked to you: Location, User Content, Browsing History, Identifiers, Usage Data, Diagnostics
- Not linked to you: Contact Info, Search History, Usage Data, Diagnostics
Permission names come from Google Play; the plain-English lines describe what each permission group allows, not how this app uses it.
BBC World News at a glance
| Developer | BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Category | News |
| Rating on App Store | 4.5 out of 5 (88K ratings) |
| Rating on Google Play | 3.1 out of 5 (441K ratings) |
| Price | Free |
| Age rating | 12+ |
What changed in the latest BBC World News version
App Store and Google Play · Version 2026.9.0, released Sep 28, 2026; Google Play listing updated Sep 25, 2026
The release notes are general and don't list specific changes:
“Performance updates and bug fixes.”
Quoted from the store listings' release notes.
Pricing
The BBC World News app can be downloaded without initial cost from Google Play and the App Store, with a base price of $0.00. The application includes in-app purchases, and a paid subscription is necessary for certain premium content and features.
This subscription provides unlimited access to stream the BBC News Channel, acclaimed documentaries, early access podcast episodes, and news analysis across compatible devices. Users can choose monthly or yearly plans. Subscriptions auto-renew unless canceled at least 24 hours before renewal, with management available through the respective app store.
BBC World News compared with similar apps
| App | Rating | Installs | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 BBC World News | 3.1 | – | Free |
 Prime Video | 4.7 | – | Free |
 Radio FM AM Live Radio Station | 3.9 | – | Free |
 Sheet Music Scanner & Reader | 4.5 | – | Free |
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How to get BBC World News safely
To obtain the BBC World News app, users should only download it from sources such as Google Play or the App Store. Verification of the developer as "BBC Studios Distribution Ltd." on the store page is important to avoid unauthorized or modified versions that may pose risks.
Users should review permissions requested during installation, particularly on Google Play, including 'Phone', 'Photos/Media/Files', 'Storage', 'Wi-Fi connection information', and 'Device ID & call information'. Understanding these requests aids informed installation decisions. Avoiding third-party APK mirrors or unofficial download sites is recommended, as these platforms may host compromised software.
How to install BBC World News
On Android (Google Play)
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android phone or tablet.
- Search for BBC World News, or use the Google Play button on this page to open the listing directly.
- Check that the developer under the app name is BBC Studios Distribution Ltd..
- Check that your device meets the listing's requirement: Android 7.0 and up.
- Tap Install (or the price, for a paid app) and wait for the download to finish, then open the app from your home screen.
- The listing shows in-app purchases, so review any purchase prompts before you confirm.
On iPhone and iPad (App Store)
- Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
- Search for BBC World News, or use the App Store button on this page to open the listing directly.
- Check that the developer under the app name is BBC Studios Distribution Ltd..
- Make sure your device has iOS 16.4 or later and about 113 MB of free space, as the listing states.
- Tap Get (or the price), confirm the download, then open the app from your home screen.
- The listing shows in-app purchases, so review any purchase prompts before you confirm.
BBC World News version and app details
| Google Play | App Store | |
|---|---|---|
| Latest version | – | 2026.9.0 |
| Last updated | Sep 25, 2026 | Sep 28, 2026 |
| First released | Jun 9, 2011 | Apr 1, 2010 |
| Package name | bbc.mobile.news.ww | – |
| Bundle ID | – | uk.co.bbc.news |
| Requires | Android 7.0 and up | iOS 16.4 or later |
| Download size | – | 113 MB |
| Content rating | Teen | 12+ (Infrequent/Mild Realistic Violence; Infrequent/Mild Sexual Content and Nudity; Infrequent/Mild Profanity or Crude Humor; Infrequent/Mild Alcohol, Tobacco, or Drug Use or References; Infrequent/Mild Mature/Suggestive Themes) |
| In-app purchases | Yes ($8.99 - $89.99 per item) | Yes |
| Contains ads | Yes | – |
| Languages | – | 1 (including English) |
| Developer | BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. | BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. |
Who BBC World News is for
The BBC World News app targets individuals desiring extensive global news coverage across various formats. It appeals to those interested in breaking headlines, in-depth articles, and stories on topics like world and UK news, elections, business, technology, health, and culture. Users who value live news streaming and comprehensive analysis may find its offerings suitable.
The app also caters to live radio listeners, with access to BBC World Service and Radio 4, and those enjoying on-demand podcasts across genres such as news, politics, true crime, and science. Individuals interested in documentaries on history, natural history, and global affairs will find tailored content, though some require a subscription. Rated 'Teen' on Google Play and '12+' on the App Store, it suits young adults and older audiences.
BBC World News for kids and families
Pros
- Offers comprehensive global news, stories, and live coverage.
- Provides live streaming of the BBC News channel 24/7.
- Includes access to live BBC radio and a wide range of on-demand podcasts.
- Features a selection of documentaries on various subjects.
- Allows for offline podcast listening and customizable alerts.
Cons
- Some documentaries and continuous live news channel streaming require an in-app purchase.
- The Google Play version requests access to several permission groups, including Phone and Storage.
- Subscriptions auto-renew unless manually canceled at least 24 hours prior.
BBC World News: frequently asked questions
Is the BBC World News app available without cost?
Yes, the BBC World News app can be downloaded without an initial cost from Google Play and the App Store. However, it does contain in-app purchases for premium content and features.
On which devices can the BBC World News app be used?
The BBC World News app is available on devices running Google Play and on devices compatible with the App Store, supporting a wide range of mobile platforms.
Who is the developer of the BBC World News app?
The BBC World News app is developed by BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.
What kind of content is available in the BBC World News app?
The app provides news articles, live streaming of the BBC News channel, live BBC radio, on-demand podcasts, videos, and documentaries covering a wide range of global topics.
Can users listen to content offline with the BBC World News app?
Yes, users can download podcast episodes to their mobile device for offline listening within the BBC World News app.
Are there any age restrictions for the BBC World News app?
The BBC World News app has a content rating of 'Teen' on Google Play and '12+' on the App Store, indicating it is generally suitable for teenagers and older audiences.
BBC World News
- Category
- News
- Version
- 2026.9.0
Download
Looking for the BBC World News website or sign-in? Go to bbc.com →The developer's website, as given on the store listing.
BBC World News ratings breakdown
Google Play 3.1 average from 440,928 ratings
- 542%
- 49%
- 34%
- 27%
- 138%
App Store 4.5 average from 88,357 ratings
- 575%
- 413%
- 33%
- 22%
- 16%
Share of ratings for each star level, as shown on the listings, as of Oct 13, 2026.
