iOS users can now download their favourite ShowMax shows

People accessing ShowMax from Android devices have been able to download content for offline viewing since December last year. Now their iOS-using counterparts can join in on the fun.

The Naspers-owned video-on-demand (VoD) service on Tuesday announced downloads for its iPhone and iPad apps, aiming to both address the cost of internet connectivity in South Africa and to help people use the service while on the move.

“The internet connection is the challenge for many South Africans” said ShowMax South Africa General Manager, John Kotsaftis.

Read more: ShowMax introduces download functionality for offline viewing

“Not everyone has fast internet access throughout the day or can afford to stream using a mobile connection. The beauty of this new download feature is that as long as you’re connected at some point, perhaps using a public WiFi hotspot, at work, or a night-time mobile data bundle, then you can still use ShowMax to get shows and movies,” added Kotsaftis.

As with the Android offering, Showmax users on iOS can download a combined total of up to 25 shows and movies onto their device.

Content stored on these devices is available for up to 30 days, and once viewing of a particular show or movie has started, the user has a 48 hour window to finish watching. Content can be downloaded more than once.

Speaking about why ShowMax decided to tailor its service for South Africa, Kotsaftis said:

Read more: ShowMax now lets eBucks users subscribe using vouchers

“We don’t subscribe to the one-size-fits-all mentality. South Africa isn’t a carbon copy of the rest of the world – we don’t have the same connectivity options as other countries and we don’t necessarily want exactly the same content.

“We’ve gone out of our way to add features making ShowMax accessible to as many South Africans as possible. We introduced vouchers at major retailers so you don’t need a credit card, and we’ve added downloads so you can still use ShowMax even if you don’t have the best internet connection. It’s all about giving local consumers what they need.”

In order to access the new download functionality, iPhone and iPad users need to update their ShowMax app via the app store.