The BBC has confirmed that iPlayer will be available on the new Apple TV in a few months.

The on-demand video service lets users view TV episodes and other content airing on the UK channel.

As the app was not available on earlier Apple TV boxes, users were using AirPlay from their iPhones and iPads to watch the iPlayer videos on Apple TV.

The iPlayer is already available on a range of devices including Amazon’s Fire TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, Sky’s Now TV box and various video game consoles.

The new Apple TV box features a new tvOS operating system and a Siri-powered voice remote control. Its remote features a glass touch surface allowing swipe and gesture control.

BBC director-general Tony Hall said: "Available on over 10,000 devices, BBC iPlayer is one of the biggest and best on-demand video services in the world, and has transformed how UK audiences watch programmes online.

"I am delighted that iPlayer will be coming to the new Apple TV in the coming months, helping to bring the BBC’s distinctive and loved content to an even wider audience."

Earlier this month, BBC dumped Flash and moved on to HTML5 for the desktop version of its iPlayer video streaming service.