htaccess bug in iOS 8 ?

Htaccess seems to be broken in iOS 8 as logged in users of a 3-stage online course can no longer play the audio (mp3) files. When they log in, visit the desired page and click on a link nothing happens. The audio appears to be loading but never does. The problem is common to all iPads and iPhones that have iOS 8.

No links are broken. Links normally activate a default media player such as QuickTime or Windows Media Player. Very simple html.

There was no problem playing password-protected mp3s online in any iteration of iOS prior to 8 – neither does iOS 8 prevent unprotected audio files being played via audio links on the public download page. And the link construction is identical on both types of page.

This makes me wonder if the problem is to do with the way iOS 8 responds to htaccess and htpasswd.

I perhaps should add that the login restriction is not at all complex – everyone gets the same username and password on registration as the aim is to use a login just to steer people towards using the course materials in the right, systematic order, stage by stage.