Apple’s upcoming Podcasts app updates will enable users to move “seamlessly” between audio and video when watching or listening to their favourite shows.
Apple is upgrading its Podcasts app to allow users to “seamlessly” shift between audio and video.
The tech giant will use HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology that will let people switch to a horizontal video version of the podcast and download video footage of the podcast for offline viewing.
By providing the option to quickly change between audio and video, Apple may be able to prevent users from jumping to other platforms to watch episodes of their favourite content.
Video is becoming an increasingly popular method of consuming podcasts, with YouTube revealing last year that over one billion people watch podcasts on the platform every month.
Spotify is venturing into video as well, while Netflix recently launched its own original podcasts and has licenced shows from iHeartMedia.
The new features will launch in Apple’s Podcasts app this spring, but they will soon be able to test as part of betas for iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4.
HLS video will also come to the web version of the Podcasts app in the spring.
At launch, VTriton’s Omny Studio, SiriusXM, AdsWizz and Simplecast are partnering with Apple Podcasts on the video offering – allowing creators to dynamically insert video advertisements as well as host-read spots.
Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior VP, services, said: “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.”
Apple to revamp Podcasts app and allow users to shift between audio and video
