What's Gone: Apps That Dropped iOS 15
Be honest about what's no longer available before highlighting what remains:
- YouTube — iOS 16 required since 2025. Safari workaround exists (see our YouTube guide).
- Netflix — iOS 16 required. No workaround — Netflix's web player doesn't function on iOS.
- Disney+ — iOS 16 required.
- Amazon Prime Video — iOS 16 required.
- Apple TV+ — Available via the TV app, which is built-in to iOS 15. This one still works.
The pattern: major international streaming services moved quickly to iOS 16. UK broadcast catch-up services have generally maintained iOS 15 support.
What Works: The Best Options on iOS 15
BBC iPlayer (iOS 15+) is the standout. The full BBC catch-up service — all BBC channels, live TV, and iPlayer exclusives — works perfectly on iOS 15. It's free, available in the UK, and actively maintained. If you watch BBC content, this is the primary reason your old iPad or iPhone remains useful for streaming.
ITVX (iOS 14+) covers ITV1, ITV2, and ITV's on-demand library. Free with ads or £3.99/month ad-free. Works well on iOS 15.
Channel 4 (iOS 14+) — Full Channel 4 catch-up and streaming. Free with ads.
Channel 5 / My5 — Check current iOS minimum, historically iOS 13+.
Apple TV+ — The TV app is built into iOS 15. Apple TV+ subscriptions work, and the app integrates content from other services you subscribe to.
🇬🇧 Good news for UK viewers: BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and Channel 4 all still support iOS 15. If your viewing is primarily UK broadcast catch-up rather than Netflix originals, your old iPad or iPhone remains a fully functional streaming device.
For Personal Media Libraries: Plex and Infuse
Plex (iOS 13+) is the leading media server client. If you run a Plex server on a home computer or NAS, your iOS 15 device streams from it perfectly — any video format, with subtitles, over your local network or remotely. Free tier works well; Plex Pass adds offline downloads.
Infuse (iOS 13+) is the best local and network video player. Connect to a NAS, Plex, SMB share, or Google Drive. Plays virtually any video format. Excellent for anyone with a personal media collection. Free tier is generous; Pro removes ads and adds some features.
What About YouTube?
YouTube in Safari (youtube.com) works as a functional workaround on iOS 15. It's not identical to the app but covers basic watching. See our full guide: YouTube not working on old iPad or iPhone.
Our verdict
iOS 15 devices lost the international giants (Netflix, YouTube, Disney+) but UK broadcast streaming remains intact — BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and Channel 4 all work. Plex and Infuse serve personal media libraries perfectly. For UK viewers, an iOS 15 iPad or iPhone is still a solid streaming device in 2026.
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Browse entertainment apps →Also see: YouTube not working on old iPad/iPhone · iPad mini 4 in 2026 · 10 things to do with an old iPad