With iOS 26, Apple is focusing on numerous detailed improvements to its own apps. While the major innovations are happening elsewhere, the Podcasts app has also received an update. The changes aren't spectacular, but they do bring noticeable improvements in design, usability, and sound quality.
The Podcasts app has been an integral part of iOS for years and is the first choice for many people to subscribe to and play content. With iOS 26, the user experience is being refined somewhat. The focus is on visual adjustments, more flexible control options, and features that enhance listening comfort. Even though the Podcasts app hasn't received the most attention, the new features are worthwhile for anyone who listens regularly.
New design: Liquid Glass
One of the most visible changes in iOS 26 is the design. The Podcasts app adopts the new Liquid Glass look that characterizes all Apple apps. Elements appear translucent, almost like glass, so that backgrounds subtly flow through the interface. Buttons appear rounder and lighter, and the navigation appears cleaner overall. The navigation bar no longer takes up the entire bottom of the screen, bringing content more to the forefront. The tabs have also been adjusted: "Browse" is now called "New," and in the "Search" section, the search bar is now located directly at the bottom. The app icon has also been updated and appears as several overlapping layers of glass—a detail that reflects the new design language.
More flexible speed control
iOS 26 significantly expands the playback speed options. Previously, there were only four fixed speed levels: 1.25x, 1.5x, 1.75x, and 2x. With the new update, the speed range extends from 0.5x to 3x. Various options can be selected using the familiar "1x" button. Also new is a dial that allows you to adjust the speed in 0.1 increments. This not only allows you to listen to podcasts faster, but also precisely adjust them to your own tempo.
Improve dialogue for clearer voices
A practical new feature is the "Enhance Dialogue" option. This function isolates voices and ensures that speakers can be heard more clearly despite background noise or a choppy soundtrack. This option is activated during playback in full-screen mode. In addition to the speed control, there is also the "Enhance Dialogue" option. This brings voices more to the forefront while ambient noise fades into the background.
Save settings per podcast
To make the Podcasts app more personalized, iOS 26 saves certain settings individually for each show. Both the selected playback speed and the activation of "Enhance Dialogue" are stored separately for each show. This means you don't have to configure the same settings every time you start the app. For example, if you listen to news podcasts faster and play long interviews with dialogue optimization, you don't have to reselect these settings each time. Other podcasts remain unaffected.
iOS 26 makes the Podcasts app smarter and more personal
The update to iOS 26 doesn't bring any spectacular features to the Podcasts app, but it does offer solid improvements that make the listening experience more enjoyable. The Liquid Glass design provides a more modern look, expanded speed control offers more flexibility, and the "Enhance Dialogue" option improves voice clarity. The ability to save settings per show also makes the app feel more personal and practical. While other Apple apps received more attention in the update, the Podcasts app with iOS 26 shows that small adjustments often make the biggest difference. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Primakov)
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Frequently asked questions about iOS 26 and the Podcasts app
iOS 26 brings a new Liquid Glass design, more flexible speed options, the “Refine Dialogue” feature, and saved settings per podcast.
Liquid Glass is Apple's new design language in iOS 26. It gives the Podcasts app a translucent, glass-like appearance with more modern UI elements.
In iOS 26, the speed of podcasts can be adjusted between 0.5x and 3x. A dial even allows for fine adjustments in 0.1-second increments.
The Enhance Dialogue option isolates voices and ensures that speakers remain clearly understandable even in loud background noise.
Yes, iOS 26 saves playback speed and dialogue optimization per podcast. Other shows remain unaffected.
The app icon has been adjusted and now shows overlapping layers of glass – matching the new Liquid Glass design in iOS 26.
Yes, the Browse tab is now called New and search has a bar at the bottom of the screen.
All Apple apps have been redesigned with the Liquid Glass language. The Podcasts app also follows this modern look.
The changes seem subtle, but noticeably improve the user experience. The update particularly benefits design, usability, and sound.
Yes, the new design details, more flexible controls, and better dialogue clarity make podcasts in iOS 26 more enjoyable and personal.
