The broadcaster is reportedly planning to launch mobile apps for BBC News in April followed by apps for BBC Sport in May. The BBC will launch both apps in a UK and a global version.

The BBC's director of future media and technology, Erik Huggers, said the Corporation was launching the mobile apps after 12 years of launching BBC Online. The broadcaster will initially release the apps on Apple iPhones and iPods, and on Blackberry and Android operating systems later this year.

A range of unauthorised BBC applications are developed by some third-party developers. The broadcaster has reportedly served cease-and-desist orders to such developers. The BBC is also considering the release of an iPlayer application by the end of this year.