Apple has announced a major update for Apple Podcasts, which will be rolled out this spring. The core of the update is support for video podcasts based on Apple's proprietary HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology. With this move, Apple is setting a new technical standard and expanding Apple Podcasts to include a fully integrated video experience.
The new feature benefits both podcast creators and audiences. While creators gain new control and monetization options, listeners and viewers benefit from stable, flexible, and high-quality playback.
Apple has played a central role in podcast development for about twenty years. The integration of podcasts into iTunes made them accessible to the masses. Later, the standalone Apple Podcasts app followed.
Eddy Cue, Apple's Senior Vice President of Services, described the introduction of video as a major milestone. Apple is expanding Apple Podcasts with an industry-leading video experience, enabling creators to fully control their content and business models. At the same time, it will be easier than ever for audiences to listen to or watch podcasts.
With HLS, Apple is relying on a technology that has already proven itself in video streaming. The introduction of video podcasts builds on the existing infrastructure of Apple Podcasts.
HLS video: Technical basis and user experience
The integration of HLS video into Apple Podcasts enables adaptive streaming quality. Playback automatically adjusts to the network connection. Whether Wi-Fi or cellular, the quality is dynamically optimized to minimize interruptions.
The Apple Podcasts app seamlessly combines video and audio formats. Users can switch between watching and listening without any media breaks. The goal is to make video podcasts just as accessible and convenient as traditional audio formats. New features include:
- Play videos directly in the app
- Horizontal full-screen mode
- Download video episodes for offline use
- Automatic quality adjustment by HLS
Video episodes will be fully integrated into existing features. This includes personalized recommendations and editorial curations on the "New" tab and on the respective category pages. The existing discovery system will remain and be enhanced with video.
New opportunities for podcast creators
With the introduction of HLS Video, Apple strengthens the position of podcast creators. Content will continue to be distributed through participating hosting providers and ad networks. Creators retain full control over their content and monetization. The following providers support HLS Video at launch:
- Acast
- ART19
- Triton's Omni Studio
- SiriusXM including SiriusXM Media, AdsWizz and Simplecast
More providers are expected to follow.
For the first time, it's possible to integrate dynamic video ads into HLS videos. This includes ads read aloud by presenters. This opens up a broader market for video advertising. At the same time, creators retain full creative control over their content.
Videos can be integrated into existing programs without affecting followers or download numbers. Revenue can be generated through sponsorships and dynamic advertising.
Apple does not charge fees for distributing podcasts on Apple Podcasts, neither for RSS/MP3 nor for HLS video. However, starting at the end of the year, Apple will charge participating ad networks an impression-based fee for delivering dynamic ads within HLS videos.
Reactions from the industry
Greg Glenday, CEO of Acast, describes the introduction of video on Apple Podcasts as a pivotal moment for creators, advertisers, and the entire medium. The integration opens up new audiences and additional revenue streams.
Geoff Mattei, CEO of ART19, sees video as the next chapter in podcasting. The collaboration with Apple enables publishers to distribute video content in a quality comparable to audio.
Scott Walker, Chief Advertising Revenue Officer at SiriusXM, emphasizes that Apple is contributing to the evolution of the medium without compromising its integrity. Video and audio are increasingly converging, creating new business opportunities for publishers, marketers, and creatives.
Sharon Taylor, Chief Revenue Officer at Triton Digital, emphasizes that an open approach is crucial. Publishers retain control over audiences, advertising, and measurement, and can offer content across various formats.
Global reach and existing features of Apple Podcasts
Apple Podcasts is available in more than 170 countries and regions. The platform offers millions of shows across hundreds of categories. Existing features will remain fully intact. These include:
- Enhance Dialogue Mode
- Playback speeds from 0.5x to 3x
- Automatically generated chapters
- Time-controlled links
- Transcripts for over 125 million episodes in 13 languages
- Premium subscriptions with exclusive content and ad-free listening.
Apple's podcast catalog is available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, CarPlay, Vision Pro, and on the web at podcasts.apple.com.
Availability and outlook
HLS video is now available in the beta versions of iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4. The official release is planned for spring. iPhone, iPad, Apple Vision Pro, and Apple Podcasts on the web are supported.
Podcast hosting providers and creators can find more information about enabling HLS video and using Apple products and tools to record, produce, and publish video podcast episodes at podcasters.apple.com.
Apple sets a new standard for video podcasts
With the introduction of HLS video, Apple expands Apple Podcasts to offer a fully integrated video experience. The platform combines technical stability with enhanced monetization options while remaining free for hosting and distribution.
Apple is thus further expanding its role as a key player in podcasting and creating an infrastructure in which audio and video can coexist on an equal footing. (Image: Apple)
- iOS 26.4 Beta launched: Apple opens new testing phase
- Apple Music: New features for TikTok
- Apple announces „Apple Experience“ on March 4, 2026
- OpenAI hires OpenClaw developer Peter Steinberger
- Apple and iWork: Is the brand facing its end?
- Apple replaces SEED with new Sales Coach App
- Apple shows rollout of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26
- Mac Studio: Do Shortages Indicate an Update?
- Meta plans facial recognition for smart glasses
- Apple wins third patent lawsuit against Optis
- Apple study reveals expectations for AI agents
- Apple assures: New Siri will arrive as promised in 2026
- Google: EU targets advertising business
- Apple releases new beta firmware for AirPods
- The YouTube App for Apple Vision Pro is here
- Apple Creator Studio: Criticism of AI usage limits
- Cyberbullying: EU Commission plans reporting app
- Apple Store shortages: iPhone 16e & iPad Air almost sold out
- WhatsApp banned: Russia blocks messenger
- Apple News: FTC investigates political discrimination
- Apple acquires all rights to "Severance"
- Safari 26.3: All new features and details at a glance
- Apple Music doubles penalties for streaming fraud
- iOS 26.3 and similar updates fix critical security vulnerabilities.
