Apple Podcasts Elevates User Experience with Enhanced Video Features
Apple is set to revolutionize its Podcasts app by introducing an enhanced video experience this spring, positioning itself as a formidable competitor to platforms like YouTube and Spotify. This update will enable users to seamlessly switch between watching and listening to their favorite shows within the app, utilizing Apple’s HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) video technology. Additionally, users will have the option to view podcasts in a horizontal format and download videos for offline viewing.
The surge in video podcast consumption underscores the significance of this development. According to Edison Research, 51% of the U.S. population has engaged with a video podcast, with 37% tuning in monthly. This trend highlights a growing preference for visual content among podcast audiences.
By enhancing its video capabilities, Apple aims to retain users who might otherwise turn to rival platforms for video podcast content. YouTube, for instance, reported over 1 billion monthly active viewers of podcast content last year. Spotify, as of November, hosts half a million video podcasts, attracting nearly 400 million viewers. Netflix has also entered the arena by partnering with iHeartMedia and Spotify to offer video podcasts on its platform.
Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation in the podcasting space:
Twenty years ago, Apple helped take podcasting mainstream by adding podcasts to iTunes, and more than a decade ago, we introduced the dedicated Apple Podcasts app. Today marks a defining milestone in that journey. By bringing a category-leading video experience to Apple Podcasts, we’re putting creators in full control of their content and how they build their businesses, while making it easier than ever for audiences to listen to or watch podcasts.
While the official launch is slated for spring, eager users can test the new video features starting this week through betas for iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4.
