In June 2025, Apple commemorated the 20th anniversary of integrating podcasts into iTunes by unveiling a curated selection titled Apple Podcasts 20 Years, 20 Podcasts We Love. This initiative celebrates two decades of podcasting by highlighting shows that have significantly influenced the medium.
The Evolution of Podcasting on Apple Platforms
Podcasts were introduced to iTunes in 2005, marking a pivotal moment in digital media consumption. Steve Jobs, Apple’s co-founder, emphasized this advancement by stating, Apple is taking Podcasting mainstream by building it right into iTunes. This integration allowed users to subscribe to over 3,000 free podcasts, with new episodes automatically delivered to their computers and iPods. Over the years, Apple’s commitment to podcasting has been evident through continuous enhancements to the Apple Podcasts app, which now offers personalized discovery tools to help users find shows that resonate with their interests.
A Curated Selection Reflecting Podcasting’s Growth
The 20 Years, 20 Podcasts We Love list is a testament to the diversity and evolution of podcasting. Apple describes this compilation as a love letter to the podcasts that left a lasting impact on us and the ones we continue to recommend again and again. The selected podcasts are categorized into four time periods, each representing a significant phase in podcasting history:
2005 – 2010: The Formative Years
– Love and Radio (2005): Known for its intimate storytelling, this podcast delves into unconventional narratives, offering listeners a unique auditory experience.
– This American Life (2006): A pioneer in narrative journalism, this show presents compelling stories that explore various facets of American society and culture.
– 99% Invisible (2010): Focusing on design and architecture, this podcast reveals the unnoticed elements that shape our world, emphasizing that design is everywhere.
2011 – 2015: Expansion and Experimentation
– The Truth (2012): This fiction podcast offers immersive audio dramas, pushing the boundaries of storytelling through sound.
– The Read (2013): Combining humor and cultural commentary, this show provides insightful discussions on pop culture and current events.
– Song Exploder (2014): Musicians dissect their songs, offering listeners an in-depth look at the creative process behind their favorite tracks.
– Serial (2014): Credited with popularizing the true-crime podcast genre, this series investigates real-life cases with meticulous detail.
– Mystery Show (2015): Host Starlee Kine solves everyday mysteries that can’t be answered by a simple internet search, bringing a sense of wonder to the mundane.
– Acquired (2015): This podcast delves into the origin stories of the world’s biggest companies, offering insights into their successes and failures.
2016 – 2020: Mainstream Acceptance
– Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang (2016): A comedic take on pop culture, this show discusses the latest in entertainment with wit and humor.
– The Daily (2017): Produced by The New York Times, this podcast provides a deep dive into the day’s top news stories, setting a standard for daily news podcasts.
– Call Her Daddy (2018): Known for candid conversations, this show explores topics related to relationships, sex, and personal growth.
– MOONFACE (2019): A fictional series that explores personal identity and relationships, offering a fresh perspective on storytelling.
– Dolly Parton’s America (2019): This series examines the cultural impact of Dolly Parton, reflecting on her influence in American society.
– The Rest Is History (2020): Historians discuss significant and obscure historical events, making history accessible and engaging.
2021 – 2025: Innovation and Diversity
– Huberman Lab (2021): Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman discusses health and wellness topics, bridging the gap between science and everyday life.
– Suave (2021): This podcast explores the life of a man released from prison after serving over 30 years, shedding light on issues of incarceration and redemption.
– Sweet Bobby (2021): A gripping true-crime series that unravels a complex case of deception and betrayal.
– Baby, This is Keke Palmer (2023): Actress Keke Palmer engages in candid conversations with guests, offering insights into various aspects of life and entertainment.
– Therapuss with Jake Shane (2024): This podcast provides advice and discussions on mental health topics, aiming to destigmatize conversations around therapy.
Apple’s Ongoing Commitment to Podcasting
Beyond celebrating past achievements, Apple continues to innovate within the podcasting space. In 2024, Apple Podcasts experienced its best year, with more listeners, plays, and subscribers than ever before. The platform grew by double digits in over 100 countries, reflecting the global appeal of podcasting. Looking ahead, Apple plans to introduce features such as a wider range of playback speeds and an Enhance Dialogue feature, further enhancing the user experience.
The Future of Podcasting
As podcasting enters its third decade, its evolution shows no signs of slowing down. The medium has become a vital part of the digital landscape, offering diverse content that caters to a wide array of interests. Apple’s celebration of this milestone not only honors the past but also looks forward to the future, anticipating continued growth and innovation in podcasting.
