Apple Podcasts has followed Apple Maps by offering a web version, allowing users to subscribe and listen to their favorite shows within a web browser.

Announced on August 19, the web version of Apple Podcasts is available on all web browsers, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge, in 170 countries. You don’t need an Apple Account to use the web app, you can search for a show and listen to an episode in seconds. However, if you do sign in with your Apple Account, your previously subscribed shows and play progress will be synced to the web app.

We’ve been testing out Apple Podcasts on the web with the Arc browser, and it works exactly the same as its app counterpart, which has been available on the best iPhones, iPads, and Macs since 2012. Unlike Apple Maps on the web, which is labeled as a beta, Apple Podcasts’ web version is being presented as a brand new version available to all. This web app will be perfect for users who own a Windows laptop, as they can sign in with their Apple Account and their favorite shows will be synced without using a native app.

If you want to give the web app a try, follow this link to see if Apple Podcasts earns a place as a pinned tab in your web browser.

Using Apple Podcasts on the Web

As mentioned above, using Apple Podcasts on the web is straightforward, with a familiar appearance that mirrors the native app found on Mac and iPad. If you’ve used those apps before, you’ll feel right at home using this web version.

It’s great to see Apple expanding its web app offerings, especially so soon after the launch of Apple Maps last month. This opens up an opportunity to use the company’s services beyond Windows laptops, such as Meta Quest 3, Android smartphones, and more. If you’ve been a fan of Apple Podcasts but felt frustrated by a lack of a native app on your non-Apple device, this web app is a great alternative.

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Transcripts on Apple Podcasts is the biggest new feature in iOS 17.4 for users outside of the European Union. It’s a new way to experience podcasts that could make a lot of consumers turn away from services like Spotify or apps like Overcast and back to the first-party application.

Transcripts allow you to read a podcast as it happens. Think of it as the lyrics feature in Apple Music, specifically for your favorite shows. It’s not only a fantastic accessibility feature, it’s one of the best new additions to a podcast app in years. Here’s how to use transcripts in Apple Podcasts on iOS 17.4

How to use transcripts in Apple Podcasts

Enabling transcripts is easy, especially considering the feature is available for all new podcast episodes shortly after the episodes are published. Apple says previously released episodes will receive the same treatment over time.

1. Open Podcasts
2. Select an episode
3. Tap the transcripts button under the volume controls

Once you’ve enabled transcriptions for one podcast, the setting is carried over to every new podcast you listen to. It’s a very useful feature that, once you enable won’t ever need to switch off. 

How to search using transcripts in Apple Podcasts

Once you’ve enabled transcripts you can use the search tool to find specific moments in an episode where the person speaking says a particular word or phrase. In this case, I searched for Apple Vision Pro in an iMore Show episode.

1. Tap Search
2. Type a word or phrase
3. Transcripts will highlight every time that word was said during the episode

This is a great tool for finding specific podcast segments. For example, I love the New Heights podcast, which has a particular segment called No Dumb Questions. By typing “No Dumb Questions” into search, I was able to skip to the segment without scrubbing through the play bar to find it.

How to skip ahead using transcripts in Apple Podcasts

While you listen to your podcast, the transcript will highlight the spoken text. It’s identical to the lyrics feature in Apple Music. I found when trying this out on iOS 17.4 for the first time that I was reading ahead and finding interesting upcoming portions of the podcast episode to listen to. With transcripts, you can easily tap on any word, and the audio will skip forward or back to that precise moment in the show — it’s incredibly useful.

Transcripts for accessibility

The font and color used in transcripts were designed with accessibility at their core. The font is easy to read, and you can quickly scan text to get to the portion of the audio you want to listen to. This feature is fantastic for users who are dead or hard of hearing, as it allows you to follow a podcast without constantly concentrating on every spoken word.

The future of podcasts

As someone who constantly loses concentration when listening to a podcast, transcripts is a genuine game-changer. I’ve found myself being able to keep up with podcasts while doing other things because if I get a little distracted I can see what has been said and catch back up with the conversation.

In the past, I’ve had to pause and rewind podcasts all the time as I lose focus with just audio. The same can be said for audiobooks, which is why reading alongside an audiobook is so highly recommended. Transcripts for podcasts is a fantastic new addition to iOS and one that needs to be tried to be fully appreciated.

iOS 17.4 is now available, and the latest iPhone software brings some incredible improvements to the Podcasts app. For Podcast listeners, you can read your favorite shows as you listen with a full-text display for each episode, "making podcasts more accessible and immersive than ever before."

The new innovative feature makes Podcasts more accessible than ever before while also giving users a new way to experience their favorite podcasts. Transcripts allow users to read the full text of an episode, search the episode for a specific word or phrase, and navigate the podcast by tapping on text. You can follow along just like the lyrics feature in Apple Music, allowing you to stay concentrated on the episode like never before.

“Introducing transcripts on Apple Podcasts builds on Apple’s commitment to making products and services for everyone,” said Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s senior director, Global Accessibility Policy & Initiatives. “We are thrilled to make transcripts widely available for all, adding an additional layer of accessibility to the Podcasts experience.”

An immersive podcast experience

Transcripts on Apple Podcasts is a game-changer for those who regularly consume podcasts. The feature enhances a user's podcast experience by "helping them catch every word from their favorite hosts, learn a new language, and more easily find facts they heard on an episode. Users will be able to access an episode’s transcript from the bottom-left corner on the Now Playing screen."

The feature has been built with accessibility at its core with fonts and color contrasts designed to make long-form text easier to scan and read.

Transcripts for Apple Podcasts are available now by downloading iOS 17.4. The new software release makes the best iPhones even better with other new features like access to third-party app stores for EU citizens.

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The iOS 17.4 beta will bring the ability for shows in Apple Podcasts to have a transcript, which can be viewed soon after an episode has been published.

In a post detailing the new feature, Apple described how transcripts would work in iOS 17.4. “Apple automatically generates transcripts after a new episode is published. Your episode will be available for listening right away, and the transcript will be available shortly afterward. There will be a short delay while we process your transcript.”

When you use the Apple Podcasts app in the new update, there will be a new 'quote icon' when playing an episode. Pressing this will make the transcript appear — much like how you can show lyrics in the Apple Music app on iOS when a song is playing. This will follow the hosts as they speak throughout the episode, so you can scroll back and forth to get back to a certain point you may have missed.

Podcast creators on Apple’s service were sent emails about the new change — but they haven’t been given the opportunity to let this new feature transcribe existing and upcoming episodes. We suspect that will appear once iOS 17.4 is released.

Another win for accessibility — iMore’s take

As a listener of The iMore Show for many years — way before I became the co-host, I’d see a transcript that would have been written by those at iMore at the time, then published alongside a new episode. It was useful, but that meant having the webpage available somewhere so that users with hearing impairments could read the transcription.

For listeners who use Apple Podcasts, it’s about to get far easier to keep track of an episode. It’s great that this will be automatically generated, as long as the proprietors of the podcasts allow it, that is. It’s another example of how seriously Apple takes accessibility — if this can be made available in Apple Podcasts on macOS and Apple TV as well, there’s going to be plenty of happy users out there, waiting to try this out. 

I’ve used Overcast, another podcast app, for years now. I simply prefer its layout and features more than what Apple Podcasts has provided — but once iOS 17.4 arrives, I’m tempted to give it another try and see just how well Apple’s transcription feature really works.

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Who doesn’t love listening to a good podcast, right? Whether you’re downloading The Daily, Serial Killers, Stuff You Should Know, The Joe Rogan Experience, or the thousands of other available podcasts, it seems there are just so many good podcasts to choose from. And over the past several years, the number of subscribers listening to many of these popular podcasts and others has continued to grow and grow. 

Right? 

Well, although most of that could be true, what might not be accurate is how many listeners have been downloading and listening in to podcasts. Or, at the very least, it’s not clear if the number of listeners or subscribers is as large as many podcasters believe them to be, which is a scenario that could be devastating to those podcasters hoping to monetize via advertising.

So, what happened? Why are the numbers in question now? 

According to a recent story in Semafor, it was a technical shift: This past September, when Apple released iOS 17, the update included an "improvement" in the way automatic downloads are handled. 

In Apple's Update to Automatic Downloads notice for the Apple Podcasts app, it said, "Before iOS 17, when a listener would unpause automatic downloads, the system would automatically download all unplayed episodes. With iOS 17, Apple Podcasts will not download previous episodes and will resume automatically downloading new episodes." 

Should Apple be obligated to notify the podcast industry when it changes how listeners are calculated?

But when Apple implemented this change in iOS 17, it "quietly tightened its reporting of how many people listen to podcasts...." In doing so, Semafor said that technical change is "sending shock waves through an embattled audio industry still reeling from the end of the COVID-era production bubble."

The Semafor story gave two examples of how podcasts benefitted under “the old rules,” or before Apple released iOS 17. In the first example, “A user who listened to a show like The New York Times’ The Daily a few times, subscribed, but stopped listening would continue to count as a download indefinitely.” In the second example, “for people who listened to a show, dropped off for a while, but started listening again later, Apple would automatically download every show in between." In both cases, Semafor said such a process resulted in driving up "big download numbers, a crucial metric for ad sales and a sign of the vast reach of podcasts as a medium.”

But since Apple released iOS 17 this past September, the number of listeners the Apple Podcasts platform reported were significantly lower. In fact, Semafor reported that by and large, "long-running shows that publish frequently were hit particularly hard." Semafor also said, “...The Daily and Dateline both publicly touted reaching over a billion total downloads. But representatives for these shows would not say if those numbers or other impressive daily or weekly download stats are still accurate, though several of the biggest podcasts acknowledged privately to Semafor that they had seen noticeable declines…. Another well-known podcaster and executive said for some shows, the decline in downloads was as high as 40%.” 

At the moment, it's not clear how the change has affected or will continue to affect the podcast industry. Some suggest it was a necessary change, although perhaps not in the way Apple implemented it. But at the moment, not many are openly discussing it. Semafor notes that the most popular podcasts aren't discussing the platform change, which might be a sign that "many big shows aren’t ready to admit how much their audiences have shrunk." 

Sometimes it seems like we can't go a day without Tesla making headlines, but this time it's making it for a good reason — even if that reason isn't quite as good as we would have liked. While Tesla is still steadfast in its refusal to bring Apple CarPlay to its electric vehicles, there is at least now some light at the end of the tunnel if you happen to use one specific iPhone app to listen to your podcasts.

That's because Tesla is starting to roll out a new software update that will bring Apple Podcasts to its fleet of vehicles for the very first time. The move will allow Tesla drivers to listen to their podcasts using a new app within the existing Tesla software, something that mimics a previous update that added Apple Music support.

This new software update brings with it a ton of other new features including updates to the Tesla Arcade and support for automatically placing 911 calls when the vehicle's airbags deploy. The Apple Podcasts isn't even the only new audio addition with Tidal fans now able to shuffle their music for the first time. Who knew that wasn't already a thing people could do? Now they can.

A podcasting breakthrough

The new Holiday Update as it's known will come under the version number 2023.44.25 so Tesla drivers should start keeping an eye out for that release. Screenshots shared by "Not a Tesla App" show that there will be plenty of upgrades for Tesla drivers to enjoy but for Apple Podcasts fans, there's only one place to start.

According to Tesla's release notes drivers will be able to "listen to millions of the world's most popular podcasts." The explanation continues, saying that "Apple Podcasts for Tesla syncs with your favorite Apple devices, so you can seamlessly follow shows, save episodes, and pick up right where you left off."

Tesla also points out that Apple Podcasts users will be able to "browse new and noteworthy podcasts or explore what's trending on Top Charts."

This is of course great news for people who want to listen to their podcasts on the move safe in the knowledge that their progress will sync between their devices — a real boon for big podcast fans who listen to lots of shows or long episodes so they won't have to go hunting to find where they left off last time.

Close, but no cigar

While Apple Podcasts fans can now listen to their podcasts as they drive, and Apple Music subscribers have access to their favorite music on the go, Tesla has still stopped short of doing the one thing that so many iPhone owners want it to do. There's still no CarPlay support and it's looking increasingly unlikely that we should expect that to happen any time soon.

That's such a shame, too. CarPlay works best when it's given room to breathe and the large touch displays found in every Tesla are well suited to running Apple's apps as well as those downloadable via the App Store. Tesla wants to keep strict control over what does and doesn't run in its cars though, and Apple of all companies should probably understand that desire. But as is always the case when companies dictate what does and doesn't happen with the things customers buy, it's the people who spend the money that lose out.

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The Apple Podcasts winner of its 2023 Podcast of the Year award is actor Julia Louis-Dreyfus' show 'Wiser Than Me', co-created by Lemonada Media.

Debuting in April and concluding in June of this year for its first season, Louis-Dreyfus used her signature wit to discover priceless nuggets of advice from women who have lived long enough and well enough to truly have a perspective on it all. From comedian Carol Burnett, singer Darlene Love, actor Jane Fonda, and more — they also revealed some personal stories throughout the ten-episode run.

In a press release announcing the award, Louis-Dreyfus reflected on the guests she had spoken to through its first season. “All of these women have demonstrated how to live a life,” she explains. “That doesn’t mean they didn’t make mistakes, but there’s something about being older where perhaps you feel not as protective in terms of sharing. And so I’ve taken advantage of the intimacy that offers. That availability to be real and to be open is a great gift.” 

A second season has already been announced, with a tentative air date of Spring 2024. As long as you press ‘Follow’ on the show in Apple Podcasts, you’ll be able to download the new episodes once they arrive.

From Actor to Podcaster, long live Louis-Dreyfus — iMore’s Take

Exclusive podcasts have been available on different apps for a while. Spotify has The Louis Theroux Show for example, which has been a huge success for the company. So for Apple to host a show by Julia Louis-Dreyfus is a great get for them. I’ve been a fan of her work ever since Seinfeld when she played the role of Elaine. When she starred in Veep, a satire on being President of the United States, that was another winner for me — and it showed how well she could lead a show, instead of being the supporting cast.

Stephanie Wittels Wachs, Lemonada Media’s cofounder and chief creative officer, was full of praise for the show, and Louis-Dreyfus in the press release. “Julia never wants to have a typical conversation,” Wachs says. “She wants to play and weave and bob, and do all the fun things that you expect from something unexpected.”

I listen to lots of podcasts every week — from One More Life to Magic Rays of Light. The podcasts that are interview-led I enjoy the most, so Wiser Than Me was a great listen during the summer. The show ties into Louis-Dreyfus’ humor but also her genuineness toward her guests — you can tell she’s in awe of who she’s speaking to, and really listens to them, instead of reading through a list of questions.

The show is fully deserving of the Apple Podcasts of the Year award, so I’m looking forward to what Season 2 brings when it debuts in Spring next year.

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Apple Podcasts might not be perfect, but its ability to play seamlessly across all your HomeKit devices so that you never miss one of the Office Ladies funniest japes is a massive boon. Now, if you’ve got Amazon’s Alexa around the house, you can use it to pick up a podcast from where you were last listening — as long as you live in one of almost 50 countries, that is.

Apple has updated the Podcasts format according to a new support document, allowing for the linking of Alexa and Apple IDs. That’s how you’re able to seamlessly listen to podcasts from your iPad or iPhone to your Alexa devices. 

Apple Podcasts on more devices

In its support document, Apple says that the feature is available in a list of 50 countries: “Apple Podcasts for Alexa is only available in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and United States.” The document also has instructions for how to get Alexa up and running — and it all seems easy enough.

It joins Apple Music as an app that you can control with the Amazon smart home standard, rounding out the range of Apple software you can use with Alexa. You can control Apple Podcasts from a Fire TV or Amazon Echo speaker too, so there are more options for listening to your podcasts than ever before.

It’s still Spotify that does this better, however, leaving everything in one app that can be easily controlled with most smart home standards — including HomePod and Siri. Apple Music and Apple Podcasts still have a little way to go before they’re quite as widespread and convenient, but they are getting there.

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Apple is adding more than 100 new podcasts to its Apple Podcasts app for subscribers of Apple Music, Apple News Plus, and apps like Calm and Lingokids. 

In a press release, the company confirmed that, from today, “subscribers to Apple Music, Apple News+, Calm, and Lingokids can access over 60 original podcasts, including more than 2,500 musically rich episodes from Apple Music Radio.”  

That’s just the start, with a new show coming to Podcasts every week in the fall. They’ll be from apps and services and available freely to subscribers of those entities, thanks to a feature that lets you connect your subscriptions to those apps. For instance, if you’re an Apple Music subscriber, you’ll be able to listen to those 2,500 Apple Music Radio shows within your subscription. Apple News Plus subscribers will get narrated articles from Apple News Plus publishers directly in the Podcasts app. 

“Listeners with in-app subscriptions to eligible apps will have their subscriptions automatically connected the next time they open Apple Podcasts,” Apple states, meaning listeners should enjoy a seamless experience. However, there is also an option to connect your subscription manually. Apple says that “once a subscription is connected, listeners can browse all of the podcasts available to them from the Library tab.

 Coming soon to Podcasts

From October, listeners will be able to connect their subscriptions to the following: Bloomberg, Curio, L’Équipe, Mamamia, Sleep Cycle, The Economist, The Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, WELT News, and Zen.

You’ll need the latest iOS 17 update on your iPhone to access the new shows. While today’s announcement isn’t groundbreaking, it’s definitely a nice bonus for existing subscribers of these services who’ll be able to enjoy audio content for some of their favorite outlets, be that news, music, or anything else.

Apple has announced new analytics tools that are designed to help creators track how their shows are performing in Apple Podcasts Connect.

The new tools are available for free to all creators and are designed to help them understand how well their podcast subscriptions are performing, including the tracking of free trials.

Subscriptions allow podcast creators to monetize their shows, offering things like ad-free episodes as well as bonus content and other features.

Listen up, podcasters

Apple announced the new feature via a blog post on its podcaster website, saying that "with subscription analytics in Apple Podcasts Connect, creators can see how listeners engage with their premium subscriptions on Apple Podcasts."

The announcement continues, explaining that "once a subscription is selected from the updated Analytics tab, creators can use the Overview tab to see how many listeners started a free trial, the number of paid subscriptions, the percentage of listeners who convert from a free trial to a paid subscription, and the estimated proceeds generated from their subscriptions."

The new analytics go further, allowing creators to see breakdowns of how their subscribers break down in terms of country or region, including by subscription status as well as whether those subscriptions are monthly or annual ones.

The Trends tab also features more information including a visualization tool that gives further insights into the performance of podcast subscriptions.

"For example, creators can filter the Trends tab by Active Subscriptions to view a visual breakdown of subscribers by Subscription Status, such as those who are in their first year versus those who have been subscribed for more than one year," Apple explains. "Creators can also use the Trends tab to view their Subscription Events, such as Activations, Cancellations, and Renewals, and filter Sales on the Trends tab by Subscription Duration to see the breakdown of estimated proceeds generated by monthly versus yearly subscriptions."

Apple this week unveiled iOS 17 at WWDC 2023, and the company has now confirmed some big changes coming to Apple Podcasts across its device lineup later this year. 

iOS 17 will bring a brand new Now Playing experience and a Queue, as well as improved episode art, search filters, and more. 

"Listeners will enjoy a refreshed Now Playing experience, which features a sleek, dynamic background that showcases a podcast’s art and provides enhanced controls for managing the Queue," Apple stated this week. The Playing Next button will now show the next episode queued up, and you can add episodes to the Queue through the More menu or by pressing and holding on an episode. 

Apple Podcasts are also getting Episode art for all shows, so listeners can learn more about each episode of a show at a glance through an illustration, graphic, or photo, that will be displayed on the Now Playing screen and Queue. Creators will publish these via RSS using their hosting providers. 

Subs and search filters

Apple Podcasts is getting Search filters so you can easily find shows, with new filters for Top Results, Shows, Episodes, and Channels. More information will also show up in searches such as time remaining in an episode. 

Starting in the fall, listeners will also be able to connect subscriptions to certain apps with Apple Podcasts. That includes apps like Bloomberg, The Economist, L’Équipe, The Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and WELT; health and fitness apps, including Calm; kids and family apps, like Lingokids; and many more. This means that if you've subscribed to apps through the App Store you'll also get the Apple Podcasts subscription too. 

Apple Music Radio is also coming to Apple Podcasts, and audio stories from Apple News+ are also coming. The Podcasts interface is also getting an overhaul, and Apple is promising "more consistent playback syncing between devices," a massively needed update. 

These features are all coming to iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS 14, watchOS 10, and tvOS 17. 

We're covering all the WWDC 2023 announcements live and as they happen. Don't miss all our Apple Vision Pro, iOS 17, macOS Sonoma, iPadOS 17, and watchOS 10 news so far.

While you've been able to download episodes of podcasts in the Podcasts app for a while, the latest version of iOS 15 and iPadOS now lets you save those episodes to a special list in your library.

Now, in iOS 15, anytime you want to listen to a saved episode of your favorite podcast later, you can do so with a couple of taps in the Podcasts app. This allows you to turn your best iPhone into an offline podcast playing machine with a playlist of all your saved episodes. Here's how to save and download episodes in the Podcasts app on iPhone and iPad.

How to save episodes in the Podcasts app

When you save an episode of a podcast in the Podcasts app, it will do two things. It automatically downloads the episode, so you can listen to it offline whenever you want, and it will add it to the saved list in your Podcasts app Library.

1. Launch the Podcasts app from your Home screen.
2. Find the episode you want to save.
3. Tap ... beside the episode you want to save.
4. Tap Save Episode.

You'll see a pop-up on your screen that says episode saved, and now you'll be able to find the saved episode from the saved tab in your library.

How to remove saved episodes in the Podcasts app

When you remove a saved episode, it will only remove it from the saved list in your library. It will not delete the downloaded episode from the downloaded list in your library like any other download podcast episode.

1. Launch the Podcasts app from your Home screen.
2. Tap the Library tab along the bottom of your screen.
3. Tap Saved.

4. Tap ... beside the saved episode you want to remove.
5. Tap Unsaved episode.

Ready to listen

Podcasts are a great way to unwind after a long day, catch up on the latest news, escape to a different world, and so much more. Now that you know how to save and download episodes in the Podcasts app on iPhone and iPad, this process can be even smoother. Get to listening to the best podcasts in the Podcasts app now!

Updated June 2022: Updated for the latest version of iOS 15 and iPadOS 15.

No matter who you are or what you're into, you can basically find a podcast out there that covers topics you're interested in. And for the most part, podcasts are free. However, in 2021, Apple changed up the Podcasts app to include Podcast Subscriptions, which is the term for exclusive paid content from podcast creators. For free podcasts, the new term is now "follow" to get all of the latest episodes.

Yeah, we know — it's a little confusing. Podcast Subscriptions is basically exclusive content that won't be released any other way. Or it could be ad-free episodes, early access to specific content, etc. It's really up to the creators to decide. The podcast producers also set the price for these subscriptions, so the price varies depending on the channel, network, or studio. However, Apple takes a 30% cut for those who utilize the subscriptions feature, similar to how the App Store works.

But it's important to note that Podcast Subscriptions are completely optional — you can still use the Podcasts app as you always did for non-paid content. You just now "follow" a show instead of "subscribe" to it, and you can do things like save and download episodes of podcasts for free on your best iPhone. Subscriptions are just a bonus for dedicated fans or those who just want a premium, ad-free experience. Podcast Subscriptions can also be shared with up to six other people through Family Sharing.

Here's how to subscribe to a podcast in the Podcasts app for iPhone and iPad.

How to subscribe to a podcast in the Podcasts app on iPhone

1. Launch the Podcasts app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap Browse.
3. Scroll down to the bottom until you see Explore Subscriptions.

4. Tap Explore Subscriptions.
5. Find a channel you're interested in and tap it.

6. If the channel has a subscription option, you'll see it at the top of the channel banner.
7. Tap the Subscribe button. If there is a trial, the button will say Try Free instead.
8. Confirm your subscription.

Some channels are offering trials, where you can try the subscription content free for a certain number of days before being charged. The trial length varies by the studio, and it can be anywhere from three to seven days from what we've seen so far.

How to manage a podcast subscription

Now that you've subscribed to a podcast, maybe you've changed your mind. Don't worry; you can cancel a podcast subscription at any time or even change between a monthly or annual subscription.

1. Launch Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap your Apple ID at the top.
3. Tap Subscriptions.

4. Tap the podcast subscription you want to manage.
5. If you just want to change the amount billed, tap whether you want it monthly or annually.
6. Tap Cancel Free Trial or Cancel Subscription.
7. Confirm that you want to cancel.

If you're on a free trial, canceling before the trial is up won't end it immediately. You'll still get access to the exclusive premium content of that subscription until the trial is over. Canceling a trial early just makes sure that you won't get charged after the trial ends.

Subscribe and support your favorite podcasts

When you really enjoy a particular podcast or channel, it may be a good idea to show your support by subscribing to them for exclusive content, early access, or just ad-free episodes. Don't worry though — Podcast Subscriptions is completely optional, so you don't need to pay to continue listening and enjoying your favorites. It's only if you want the exclusives that the creators are offering that you'll have to pay a subscription fee.

Updated May 2022: These steps have been updated for iOS 15.

What you need to know

• Apple has added an annual subscription option to Apple Podcasts Subscriptions.
• Listeners can now choose an annual subscription over a monthly subscription if they wish.
• Existing monthly subscribers can also switch to an annual plan if the podcaster offers it.

Podcasters now have more ways to offer their listeners a subscription to their show on Apple Podcasts.

Today, Apple announced that it is adding annual subscription plans to Apple Podcasts Subscriptions. With the addition, podcasters will now be able to offer their listeners an annual subscription option alongisde the existing monthly subscription option in the Apple Podcasts app.

Apple says that the annual subscription option will be selected by default when a listener brings up the plan picker and will also show how much they will save if the podcaster makes the annual option less than the monthly plan over the course of a year. Listeners who are already subscribed to a podcast monthly can also switch to the annual option if they prefer.

In addition to the annual subscription option, users can now set up more preferences on how automatic downloads of podcast episodes are handled on their devices. Apple says that users can now have their device only keep the most recent three episodes or those from the last fourteen days. They can also choose to keep all episodes or no episodes downloaded on their device.

Apple is only bringing podcast episode removal recommendations to the iPhone Storage section of the Settings app and the Downloaded section of the Apple Podcasts app.

All of these features will be available for Apple Podcasts users across the iPhone, iPad, and Mac with iOS 15.5, iPadOS 15.5, and macOS Monterey 12.4.

What you need to know

• Apple seeded the release candidate of macOS Monterey 12.4 to developers earlier today.
• The Release Candidate included a new feature for Apple Podcasts on the Mac.
• Apple Podcasts can now limit episodes stored on your Mac and automatically delete older ones.

Update, May 13 (8:20 pm ET): Correction added to the bottom of this article.

Apple Podcasts on the Mac just got a feature it should have had for a long time.

Earlier today, Apple seeded the Release Candidate of macOS Monterey 12.4 to developers and public beta users. In addition to including the marketed Studio Display wallpaper and support for the Studio Display Firmware Update 15.5, the Release Candidate includes a feature for Apple Podcasts that Mac users have been waiting for.

According to the macOS 12.4 Release Candidate release notes, the update includes a new setting for the Apple Podcasts Mac app. The setting, if turned on, will limit the number of podcast episodes downloaded to your Mac by automatically deleting older episodes.

• Apple Podcasts includes a new setting to limit episodes stored on your Mac and automatically delete older ones
• Support for Studio Display Firmware Update 15.5, available as a separate update, refines camera tuning, including improved noise reduction, contrast, and framing

Turning the feature on will ensure that Apple Podcast episodes don't continue to eat up more and more storage on your Mac, a helpful feature if you especially don't remember to delete downloaded episodes.

This feature, while new to the Mac, has been available for Apple Podcasts on the iPhone and iPad for a while now. Despite the feature being delayed on the Mac for so long, it is nice to see that it has finally arrived with the latest beta and should hopefully be available to everyone when macOS Monterey 12.4 releases to the public.

Update, May 13 (8:20 pm ET) — Correction

Towards the end of this article, we mentioned that this feature was already on the iPhone and iPad. This is incorrect. While the iPhone and iPad Apple Podcasts app has been able to automatically delete played episodes, they have not been able to automatically delete old episodes. This feature will be new to the iPhone and iPad as well and it set to launch alongside the Mac.

What you need to know

• Apple has announced new Podcast Collections.
• Podcast Collections will be available in the United States and Canada.
• The three Collections will cover true crime, culture, and entertainment.

Apple has announced new Podcast Collections that will be updated weekly to add curated recommendations for people looking for new podcasts to listen to. The three Collections will cover true crime, culture, and entertainment.

The new collections will be available to all Apple Podcasts users in The US and Canada on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Each will be found in the Browse and Search tabs within the app with Apple refreshing the Collections each week.

Darkside is Apple's new collection of true crime content with new podcasts added each Tuesday.

The Popped Collection will cover culture that includes TV shows, movies, and more. Podcast listeners will be able to check out new content every Thursday.

Finally, tbh. Every Wednesday Apple will share content with "the voices and perspectives you need to hear."

All of this will only be available via the official Apple Podcasts app so keep that in mind — if that's the best iPhone app for listening to podcasts for you, great. Everyone else will need to download the Podcasts app from the App Store if it isn't already installed.

What you need to know

• "Wild Things: Siegfried & Roy" has premiered on Apple Podcasts.
• The first two episodes of the podcast are available to listen to now.
• A new episode will debut every week.

"Wild Things: Siegfried & Roy," a new podcast about the magical duo, has premiered on Apple Podcasts.

The podcast tells the story of the two magicians with details and revelations previously unknown. Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and investigative journalist Steven Leckart takes us on the ride:

The first two episodes of the podcast are streaming now. A new episode will debut each week on Wednesdays until the series reaches its finale on its eighth episode.

You can check out all episodes of the podcast on the Apple Podcasts app. The app is available on the App Store and has corresponding apps on the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV.

Unfortunately, there is no rumor of an Apple TV+ series to go along with the podcast at this time.

What you need to know

• Apple has announced its picks for best podcasts of 2021.
• "A Slight Change of Plans" with Maya Shankar won Best Show of the Year
• "Anything for Selena" with Maria Garcia won Newcomer of the Year.

Apple has announced its own picks for the best podcasts of 2021.

In a press release Tuesday the company stated:

Apple's picks recognize "the best and most popular podcasts for their exceptional content, unique ability to engage audiences, and innovation in craft, spanning production, presentation, sound design, and more." Apple also picked a curated selection of different shows and episodes that "defined and reflected 2021" and published its top charts to show the most popular shows of the year. The top new show of the year was "We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle", the top free channel was audiochuck and the top subscription podcast was "Bad Blood: The Final Chapter" with John Carreyrou.

In June Apple announced Apple Podcasts Subscriptions, letting creators offer more exclusive content to users for a subscription fee in over 170 countries around the world. Apple's VP of Apple Music and Beats Oliver Schusser said "We are honored to recognize the phenomenal creators who are redefining podcasting with this year's best shows, and to help more listeners around the world discover, enjoy, and support their inspiring work."

What you need to know

• BBC Studios and Slate have joined Apple Podcasts with new subscriptions.
• The BBC will offer new premium podcasts to US and Canadian listeners for the first time.
• Users can now pay solely for Slate audio, along with ad-free listening and bonus content.

BBC Studios and Slate have today rolled out new Apple Podcasts Subscriptions for listeners on all of Apple's best iPhones and beyond.

As reported by The Verge:

BBC Studios' new service means content previously only available in the UK can now be played across the pond labeled as exclusives. There are more on the way but listed starters include 5 Minutes On and Nuremberg: The Trial of the Nazi War Criminals, as well as ad-free versions of several other shows.

On Slate the report notes:

Apple rolled out Podcasts Subscriptions in June, giving listeners the chance to pay extra for exclusive content from podcast producers, the feature is available in over 170 countries.

What you need to know

• Spotify is set to surpass Apple Podcasts with the most listeners.
• The service is projected to have 28.2 million monthly podcast listeners by the end of 2021.
• That would pass Apple Podcasts which is projected to end the year with 28 million monthly listeners.

It looks Spotify might become number one in another area: podcasts.

According to a new report from eMarketer the #1 streaming music service is set to surpass Apple Podcasts as the #1 podcasting service as well. The report anticipates Spotify to end the year with 28.2 million monthly podcast listeners over Apple Podcasts' 28 million in the United States.

The report does on to say that Spotify's growth will continue all of the way through the forecasted year of 2025. It anticipates the streaming service to grow from 28.2 million listeners to 43.6 million by the end of 2025. That would be equivalent to 12.7% of the population of the country.

• This year, 40.0% of US internet users will tune in to podcasts at least once per month. Given the medium's rapid listener growth thus far, we expect that growth to slow down for the next few years.
• Despite this overall deceleration, Spotify's growth among that listener base will continue to increase through the end of our forecast period in 2025.
• YouTube and Google Podcasts are also popular platforms for podcast listening in the US. Amazon Music continues to build out its audio offerings and invest in the medium. (We do not yet publish podcast listener forecasts for these platforms.)

Apple has been making moves to compete with Spotify recently in the area of podcasting. The company launched the new Apple Podcasts Subscriptions product, redesigned the app, and is launching original podcasts based on content from Apple TV+.

What you need to know

• Apple announced a podcast subscription service earlier this year.
• A new report says the platform is off to a rocky start.
• Creators complain of long upload times and other issues.

A new report says that Apple's Podcast Subscription service is off to a rocky start.

From The Verge:

Apple announced its Podcasts subscription service in April, which lets users sign up for premium podcast subscriptions to access benefits offered by creators such as ad-free listening. Since its launch, however, there have apparently been some issues.

According to the report, an auto-download bug in the app caused a 31 percent drop in downloads in the summer, with other problems reported concerning podcast libraries and subscriptions. Creators also say that uploading to Apple is troublesome:

Apple recently announced that creators using the platform will earn 100% commission on every subscription sign-up they get through November, double the usual 50% one-time bounty.

What you need to know

• Apple has launched a special offer for its Apple Podcasts Subscriptions affiliate program.
• Through November, affiliates can earn 100% commission on new signups.
• The program usually pays out a 50% bounty.

Apple is giving all of the money away with its new Apple Podcasts Subscriptions affiliate offer.

As spotted by 9to5Mac, Apple has launched a special offer for those signed up with its Apple Podcasts Subscriptions affiliate program. Through the end of November, you can earn 100% commission on every subscription sign-up that you refer. The program usually pays out a one-time bounty that equals 50% of the monthly cost of the subscription.

Apple originally launched Apple Podcasts Subscriptions in May, a new program that allows podcasters to charge a premium tier to their podcast directly in Apple Podcasts.

Apple Podcasts Subscriptions launched alongside the new redesign of the Apple Podcasts app, which has received both praise and criticism - praise for the design, and criticism for the many performance issues that have plagued listeners.

What you need to know

• Apple Podcasts Subscriptions will now launch on June 15.
• Podcast Channels will also launch on that date.
• Apple has delayed the launch to fix some issues with the Podcasts app.

After a bit of a delay, Apple has officially confirmed that Apple Podcasts Subscriptions will launch on June 15.

As reported by The Verge, Apple has sent an email to podcasters that revealed the new launch date. The company also confirmed that Podcast Channels, which allows users to find even more podcasts from their favorite creators.

Apple had planned to launch the new features in May but delayed their introduction "to ensure we are delivering the best experience for creators and listeners."

Apple was also taking to address some issues with the Podcasts app that were introduced with the iOS 14.6 update.

When the feature launches, podcasters will be able to charge a monthly rate for access to premium content.

What you need to know

• Apple has delayed the launch of Apple Podcasts Subscriptions and channels.
• Both updates to the Apple Podcasts app will now launch in June.

Apple Podcasts Subscriptions is delayed.

As reported by 9to5Mac, Apple has sent an email to podcasters on its platform that it is delaying the launch of Apple Podcasts Subscriptions, its new feature that will allow podcasters to offer a paid tier of a podcast within the Apple Podcasts app.

While the feature was originally planned to launch in May, Apple is delaying its release until June "to ensure we are delivering the best experience for creators and listeners."

The letter also addressed some of the issues that podcasters and listeners were experiencing when iOS 14.5 released to the public.

When Apple Podcasts Subscriptions launches in June, podcasters will be able to offer a paid tier to their podcast that grants listeners access to exclusive episodes and more.

What you need to know

• Apple is launching the Apple Services Performance Partner Program for Apple Podcasts.
• The affiliate program earns you money for referring someone to a paid version of a podcast.

You'll soon be able to earn money from referring people who subscribe to Apple Podcasts.

Last month, Apple announced Apple Podcasts Subscriptions, which will allow podcasters to charge a premium tier to their podcast directly in Apple Podcasts.

As reported by TechCrunch, Apple is also rolling out the Apple Services Performance Partner Program for Apple Podcasts, a new affiliate program for Apple Podcasts Subscriptions.

For example, if you refer someone to a podcast who signs up for the premium tier that costs $10, you'll receive a $5 commission. Podcasters themselves can also use the links to earn incremental revenue on their own podcasts from new subscribers. The program has an approval process, of course, to ensure that those making the referrals are qualified to do so.

The program will be available in all 170 countries and regions where Apple Podcasts Subscriptions are available. You can learn more about the program on the Apple Podcasts for Creators website and apply for the program on the Apple Services Performance Partner Program page.

What you need to know

• Apple Podcasts Subscriptions will launch later this month.
• Wondery is bringing its Wondery+ service to the platform according to a new report.
• It will be $4.99 a month or $34.99 a year.

A new report says that Wondery+ will be a part of the new Apple Podcasts Subscriptions service coming later this month.

From The Hollywood Reporter:

Wondery CEO Jen Sargent said that the company was "excited to join with Apple on the next chapter of podcasting."

The service will the $4.99 a month or $34.99 a year.

Apple announced its previously rumored Podcasts Subscriptions service alongside its new AirTag tracking device and the new iMac and iPad Pro. From the press release:

What you need to know

• Apple says that it has fixed an "outage" with the Apple Podcasts app.
• Hopefully, the fix includes a range of issues introduced with iOS 14.5 last week.

Apple has hopefully fixed the Apple Podcasts app.

As reported by MacRumors, Apple had said that the Apple Podcasts app was experiencing an "outage" for some users that began on April 29. As of the publishing of this article, Apple says that the outage has been resolved according to its System Status page on the Apple Support website.

While Apple has not said exactly what has been fixed, it is hopefully the many issues introduced in the Podcasts app when the company released iOS 14.5 last week.

We'll have to wait and see if the issues with the Podcasts app are now resolved.

What you need to know

• Apple has landed an original podcast series about Siegfried & Roy.
• The series is set to premiere exclusively on Apple Podcasts later this year.

Apple Podcasts next move for original content is a series about Siegfried & Roy.

As reported by Deadline, Apple has landed the exclusive rights to a new podcast about Siegfried & Roy. The series is being produced by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Steven Leckhart.

The series, which will explore the wonder and controversy of the famous duo, will premiere later this year.

Apple just updated its Podcasts app as part of the iOS 14.5 update that released to users earlier this week.

What you need to know

• Apple will take a 30% cut on podcast subscriptions in the first year.
• It will drop that fee to 15% on subscriptions more than a year old.

Apple will take its standard cut on new podcast subscriptions.

Apple announced Podcast Subscriptions at its 'Spring loaded' event earlier today as a new way for podcasts to earn money from its listeners. Details of how the financial side of that would shake out were not discussed during the event, but those details have emerged.

As reported by Vox, Apple will take its usual 30% cut on podcast subscriptions in the first year someone is subscribed. After that, their fee will drop to 15%. This is the same standard practice that Apple employs for apps in the App Store.

The report also revealed that podcasts could charge as little as 49 cents a month for their podcast.

• Starting next month, Apple will let podcast publishers sell subscriptions to individual shows or groups of shows, and set their own pricing, starting at 49 cents a month in the US.
• Apple won't require podcasters to create Apple-only exclusive shows, but it does want them to distinguish between stuff they're already distributing via Apple and stuff going up on other platforms: That could mean ad-free shows or shows with extra content or brand-new shows that only exist on Apple.
• Apple will keep 30 percent of any subscription revenue creators generate in their first year on the platform. After that, Apple's cut will drop to 15 percent. That's the same pricing scheme Apple already uses for other subscription services, like TV streamers.

Podcast Subscriptions will be available when Apple launches iOS 14.5 next week.

What you need to know

• Apple just announced the rumored podcast subscriptions.

This story is updating, please keep refreshing the page

Apple today announced a new Apple Podcasts app alongside a new Apple Podcasts subscription service that will give listeners perks like early access to podcast episodes and more.

As part of the new rollout of subscriptions, Apple is also launching a new Podcasts app to go with it. Users can look forward to new channels to make it easier than ever to find content from their favorite creators, while each show will have a new look in-app, complete with new artwork and more.

Apple says that the new feature will go live in a ton of countries next month, but so far we don't have pricing or exact availability. We'll be keeping our eyes peeled for when that kind of information is made available – hopefully later today. Apple does say that Podcasts subscription payments go directly to creators, so it's possible we can expect the people recording the podcasts to be the ones setting pricing.

Podcasters can sign up to be part of the Apple Podcasters Program and build their subscriptions from there, Apple said in a statement.

Apple has long been rumored to be working on a podcast subscription service, likely to be called Podcasts+. If that is indeed the new name, Apple isn't telling anyone just yet!

What you need to know

• Apple will hold its April Event later today.
• A second rumor says Apple will unveil a new Podcasts+ subscription service.

Another April Apple event rumor says that Apple plans to unveil a brand new Podcasts subscription service later today.

From the Wall Street Journal:

We've long know Apple will release updated hardware at this event, likely a new iPad Pro, AirTags, and even a new iMac. However, rumors of a new Podcasts subscription service coming at the event are very recent. The report continues:

From a report yesterday:

Apple has also stopped accepting Podcast submissions, fueling rumors of a new Podcasts+ type service.

What you need to know

• Apple has temporarily halted new podcast episode submissions on iTunes Connect.
• The move is another hint that the company could announce its own premium podcast service tomorrow.

Apple has temporarily stopped accepting new podcast episodes, fueling rumors that the company could launch Apple Podcasts+ at tomorrow's 'Spring loaded' event.

As reported by AppleInsider, Apple has stopped accepting new podcast episode submissions to iTunes Connect, the service that handles the upload of your podcast into the company's Apple Podcasts service.

Rumors of Apple Podcasts+ popped earlier today when Recode's Peter Kafka said that they are "pretty sure" the company will unveil the paid subscription service at tomorrow's event.

Details about what kind of content will be featured on Apple Podcasts+ or what the cost will be are still unknown. Apple is also expected to announce new iPad Pros and AirTags at tomorrow's event.

What you need to know

• Apple has debuted The Line, a new original podcast on Apple Podcasts.
• The four-part documentary will debut on Apple TV+ in the fall.An upcoming series from Apple TV+ is getting a podcast ahead of the premiere of the show.

Apple Podcasts has debuted The Line, a new podcast that will complement an upcoming series of the same name that will make its premiere on Apple TV+. The podcast will follow Dan Taberski as he looks into the trial of Eddie Gallagher, a Navy Seal who was accused of murder by his men.

Apple has announced the four-part documentary series will premiere on Apple TV+ in the fall of 2021.

You can check out the first couple of episodes of The Line on the Apple Podcasts app.

{custom:tv-plus]

Last week we got word that in the future Apple Podcasts would be dropping the term "Subscribe" from the platform and using the term "Follow" in its place. While Apple hasn't confirmed the reason for the change, some data shows people often associated the word "subscribe" as something you must pay a fee to access. Other popular platforms like Spotify and Sticher already have adopted the term "follow" for podcasts, so in many ways, Apple following suit (see what I did there) makes a lot of sense. But, what if something larger is at play here?

Spotify has been mulling over a paid subscriptions for podcasts for a while now, and they could be rolling out the feature as early as this spring. What if Apple plans to do the same? Let's put on our tin-foil hats and explore the potential of a new service/feature I'm calling Apple Podcasts+.

Apple Podcasts+? Really?

Oh, yes. Apple has been ramping up its services in the past few years — both Apple TV+ and Apple Fitness+ are fairly new — and it's clear that Apple is constantly looking for new services to offer. It seems to be the direction the company is going. If Apple can find a way to make an Apple News+, I'm sure it could find a way to make Apple Podcats+. In fact, precedent is already set.

Many podcast creators already offer listeners different ways to get special features for a fee — longer episodes, ad-free content, early access to new episodes, etc. Whether it's through independent services like Patreon or podcasts platforms like Stitcher Premium, creators are constantly looking for ways to expand their revenue and reach their audiences.

While there are lots of different places to get your podcasts these days, some people don't always go through the trouble of finding multiple sources. There are bound to be many people that only listen to podcasts through the Apple Podcasts app, and Podcasts+ would give creators the ability to reach those people and offer exclusives to that audience.

How would Apple Podcasts+ work?

This is where the waters get a little muddy because when it comes to podcasts, nobody would want to pay for special content to podcasts they don't listen to — that would be absurd. All of that is to say, I don't think Apple Podcasts+ would be like Fitness+ where you subscribe to the service and get access to every podcaster that makes use of it. Instead, it's much more likely that Apple Podcasts+ would be a framework that would allow creators to offer a paid subscription for their podcasts.

Much like how you can subscribe to a YouTube channel (which costs nothing) or you can Join (and become a paid member) for exclusive features/content, it might be as simple as re-adding the "Subscribe" button to Apple Podcasts. Therefore, you can choose to select the "Follow" button for free, just like you do right now, or you can smash that "Subscribe" button and get exclusive offers. It could very well be that simple.

Why would Apple do this?

I know subscription fatigue is real, but I also know that more and more apps and services are switching to subscription-based models. The reality is the competition already does this or is in the process of doing this as we speak, and you best believe Apple is paying attention.

If all the other major podcasting platforms start offering additional revenue streams to content creators, and Apple doesn't, slowly but surely, we'll start to see our favorite podcasts leave the Apple Podcasts app for greener pastures.

This is 100% speculation on my part, and even though my tin foil hat may be on a little tighter today, I believe that an Apple Podcasts+ (or something of that ilk) is a genuine possibility.

Would you make use of Apple Podcasts+?

If Apple launched some sort of Podcasts+, would you subscribe to the creators you really love? Put your tin-foil hat on, dive into the comments below, and let me know what you think!

What you need to know

• Apple is removing the "Subscribe" button from the Apple Podcasts app in iOS 14.5.
• It is being replaced with a "Follow" button instead.

The "Subscribe" button will soon be erased from Apple Podcasts.

As reported by PodNews, Apple has made a small but notable change to the Podcasts app in iOS 14.5. Rather than subscribing to a podcast, users will now have the option to "Follow" the shows that they want.

While Apple has not said why it is making the change, the report speculates that the wording change could result in more podcast subscriptions. Apparently, some users are weary to hit the "Subscribe" button, thinking that it will cost them money.

Apple Podcasts is also not the only one to already make this change. Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music, and Stitcher are already using a "Follow" button instead of "Subscribe".

It is currently unclear when iOS 14.5 will be available to the public. The new version of iOS is still in the third stage of its developer beta.

What you need to know

• Apple has launched a new Podcasts Spotlight initiative.
• It will help listeners find some of the best podcast content around.
• The first featured show is 'Celebrity Book Club' hosted by Chelsea Devantez.

Apple has today launched a brand new feature called 'Podcasts Spotlight', a new initiative to help listeners find the best podcasts on the internet.

the first show to be highlighted in the new feature is 'Celebrity Book Club' hosted by Chelsea Devantez, a weekly Friday show where Devantez is joined by special guests to "celebrate the memoirs of badass celebrity womxn" like Mariah Carey, Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Lopez, and Drew Barrymore.

Apple says that new Spotlight creators and shows will be highlighted each month from a wide range of different genres, formats, and locations, with a particular focus on independent shows and underrepresented voices.

Speaking to Stitcher, Apple's Global Head of Business for Apple Podcats said:

In the most recent episode, Devantez talked with Emily V. Gordon (Little America) to "dissect the pain of growing up too fast and the power of reclaiming your story with Drew Barrymore's first memoir".

What you need to know

• Apple has named the best books, audiobooks, and podcasts of the year.
• It has also given the "Show of the Year" award to NPR's Code Switch podcast.

As the year comes to a close, Apple has assembled the biggest and best books, audiobooks, and podcasts of the year and are highlighted each of those in new collections.

Apple has also named NPR's Code Switch as "Show of the Year" in the United States. This the first time that Apple has bestowed such an honor to a podcast.

Check out the other books, audiobooks, and podcasts that made it into Apple's Top of 2020 collections and links to check them out.

Apple Books: Best Books of the Year (United States)

• The Vanishing Half, Brit Bennett
• 28 Summers, Elin Hilderbrand
• Long Bright River, Liz Moore
• Deep State, Chris Hauty
• The Last Flight, Julie Clark
• Reborn Yesterday, Tessa Bailey
• The Roommate, Rosie Danan
• The City We Became, N. K. Jemisin
• Piranesi, Susanna Clarke
• We Are Not Free, Traci Chee
• Silver Arrow, Lev Grossman
• The Velvet Rope Economy, Nelson D. Schwartz
• Caste, Isabel Wilkerson
• The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read, Philippa Perry
• My Autobiography of Carson McCullers, Jenn Shapland

Check out Apple's collection of the Best Books of the Year. You can also check out the Most Popular Books of the Year.

Apple Books: Best Audiobooks of the Year (United States)

• Open Book, Jessica Simpson
• Memorial Drive, Natasha Trethewey
• Upstream, Dan Heath
• The Vanishing Half, Brit Bennett
• Interior Chinatown, Charles Yu
• Caste, Isabel Wilkerson
• The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Suzanne Collins
• Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, Ibram X.Kendi
• Fair Warning, Michael Connelly
• The Guest List, Lucy Foley
• Take a Hint, Dani Brown, Talia Hibbert
• Untamed, Glennon Doyle
• Think Like a Monk, Jay Shetty
• Devolution, Max Brooks
• The City We Became, N. K. Jemisin

Check out Apple's collection of the Best Audiobooks of the Year. You can also take a look at Apple's collection of the Most Popular Audiobooks of the Year.

Apple Podcasts: Biggest Shows of 2020 (US)

1. Stuff You Should Know by iHeartRadio
2. This American Life
3. The Daily by New York Times
4. Crime Junkie by audiochuck
5. My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
6. The Ben Shapiro Show by The Daily Wire
7. Up First by NPR
8. Call Her Daddy by Barstool Sports
9. Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
10. Unlocking Us with Brené Brown

Apple Podcasts: Biggest New Shows of 2020 (United States)

1. Unlocking Us with Brené Brown
2. Nice White Parents by New York Times & Serial
3. CounterClock by audiochuck
4. Red Ball by audiochuck
5. SmartLess with Will Arnett, Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes
6. Blood Ties by Wondery
7. Supernatural with Ashley Flowers
8. Down The Hill: The Delphi Murders by WarnerMedia
9. Park Predators by audiochuck
10. Coronavirus: Fact vs Fiction with Dr. Sanjay Gupta by CNN

Check out the Apple's collection of the Biggest New Shows of 2020.

Apple Podcasts: Our Favorites This Year (US)

• California Love by LAist and KPCC
• Canary by The Washington Post
• Dying for Sex by Wondery
• FANTI by Maximum Fun
• Floodlines by The Atlantic
• Ghost Tape by QCODE
• How to Citizen with Baratunde Thurston by iHeartRadio
• In The Bubble with Andy Slavitt by Lemonada Media
• Louder Than a Riot by NPR
• Nice White Parents by New York Times
• Rabbit Hole by New York Times

Check out Apple's Favorite Podcasts of the Year.

What you need to know

• Porsche is bringing new Apple features to its Taycan electric car.
• It is adding a fully integrated Apple Podcasts experience.
• Time-synced lyrics from Apple Music are also being added for the front passenger.

In a press release, Porsche has announced that it is adding an integrated Apple Podcasts experience to its Taycan electric car. In addition, it is bringing Time-Synced lyrics from Apple Music to the car that can be featured on the passenger display.

According to the release, it is the "first-ever full integration of Apple Podcasts in any vehicle."

Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG, says that the new Apple Music and Apple Podcasts experiences are only the beginning of the company's partnership with Apple.

Oliver Schusser, Vice President of Apple Music, Beats and International Content, says that enabling these features will elevate the driving experience of the Taycan.

The new features are available to owners of the Porsche Taycan starting today and will roll out to all owners by the end of January 2021.

What you need to know

• Oprah's Book Club is now a podcast.
• She will explore the 8 Pillars of Caste set out by author Isabel Wilkerson.
• The framework features in Wilkerson's book, 'Caste: The Origins of our Discontents'.

Apple has today introduced a new podcast, Oprah's Book Club, in which she will explore the 8 Pillars of Caste with author Isabel Wilkerson.

Wilkerson wrote "'Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents', a book recently featured on Oprah Winfrey's Apple TV+ show Oprah's Book Club. From that announcement:

Released today, the new podcast will feature Winfrey and Wilkerson as they take listeners through the 8 Pillars of Caste featured in the aforementioned title.

Apple says that there will be eight episodes in the series, one for each pillar and that the duo will host conversations with a wide group of people exploring the pillars. The first episode, available now, features Wilkerson sharing why she felt called to write Caste, and why she believes society needs new ways to talk about racism.

Winfrey also shares why she feels that 'Caste' is one of the most important and profound books she has ever read.

New episodes will focus specifically on each "pillar" as outlined in the book, and new episodes will be released twice-weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting today. The first 35-minute Episode is available now on Apple Podcasts.

What you need to know

• Apple is releasing an update to the Podcasts app for iOS and macOS.
• iOS 14 will bring a new Up Next section to the app.
• The section will now suggest podcast episodes it thinks you might like.

Apple was rumored to be bringing some new features to the Apple Podcasts app on iOS this year, and Apple did just that.

Mentioned on the feature list on the iOS 14 preview, Apple has said that it is updating the Listen Now tab of the app with a new Up Next section.

While the current version of the Up Next section only shows you episodes of podcasts that you are currently subscribed to or have manually added to the queue, the next Up Next will also recommend episodes of podcasts that the app thinks you will like.

The recommended episodes are sure to be based on the content you are listening to, so you can expect the recommendations to get smarter the more you listen. It will be interesting to see just how many new podcasts we all get introduced to and actually end up subscribing to.

The new Up Next section of the Podcasts app will be available to all customers when iOS 14 and macOS Big Sur are released this fall.

What you need to know

• Apple is set to announce iOS 14 on Monday, June 22.
• New information suggests we can expect a Podcasts revamp.
• That includes a new "For You" tab and more.

Apple is expected to announce iOS 14 on Monday, June 22 as it kicks its online WWDC off. We've already heard plenty about what we should expect from the next iPhone and iPad update and now we're hearing more – this time about a refreshed and reworked Podcasts app.

According to a new 9to5Mac report, Podcasts will be getting some Apple Music treatment in the form of a new "For You" tab that will help surface podcasts and episodes that users might enjoy.

Podcast creators are also said to be getting the option to offer "bonus content" to their subscribers. That content will appear as part of the regular podcast feed but will be distinguishable from the standard episodic content, the report notes.

This all sounds more than plausible but we won't have to wait too long to see the new Podcasts app for ourselves. Apple will be streaming its WWDC event online for the world to see.

What you need to know

• Zane Lowe launched a new podcast on Apple Podcasts.
• "The Zane Lowe Interview Series" features his interviews with famous artists.
• The first episode is an interview with Lady Gaga.

Apple Music's Zane Lowe, who regularly interviews groundbreaking artists on his show on Beats 1 Radio, has announced that he is bringing all of those interviews to a new podcast on Apple Podcasts.

Lowe announced the new show, called "The Zane Lowe Interview Series", on Twitter today. He says that the podcast will be where all of his artist interviews for Apple Music live.

The show's description lets fans know what to expect from the show: a deep dive into the lives of some of the most iconic artists.

The first episode of the show to launch its new format features an interview with Lady Gaga, who is close to the release of her next album, Chromatica.

You can check out "The Zane Lowe Interview Series" on Apple Podcasts.

What you need to know

• Apple is ramping up its original podcast content.
• The company is focused on shows that pair well with an Apple TV+ series.
• Apple is searching for a new head of original podcast programming in order to lead the effort.

In an effort to boost original programming for its podcasting business, Apple is expanding its hunt for exclusive deals with creators. Reported by Bloomberg, the company is focused specifically on content that could pair with its Apple TV+ streaming service.

In order to build up its original content, Apple is reportedly on the hunt for someone to lead its exclusive podcasting efforts.

Rich Greenfield, an analyst at LightShed Partners, says that Apple's approach to creating a podcast that would be later adapted into a series on Apple TV+, or vice versa, is a new and interesting approach to content creation.

Apple is ramping up its podcasting efforts in order to compete with other platforms like Spotify, who just this week announced that it has signed an exclusive, multi-year deal with one of the most popular podcasts of all time, "The Joe Rogan Experience".

What you need to know

• "The Joe Rogan Experience" is leaving Apple Podcasts for Spotify.
• The show has signed a multi-year exclusive deal with the streaming service.
• It will debut on the platform on September 1, 2020.

Spotify has been aggressively expanding into the Podcast industry. Between a redesign of its app and its acquisition of popular podcast creation software Anchor, the company has solidified itself as a major player in the space.

Today, the company announced that it has signed an exclusive deal with one of the podcasting community's longest-running shows: The Joe Rogan Experience. In a blog post on the company's website, Spotify says that they have signed a "multi-year exclusive licensing deal" with the popular interviewer/commentator.

The company says that the show will also be transitioning the video version of its podcast to the platform and be available to users within the Spotify app.

According to Spotify, the show will debut on September 1, 2020, and become exclusive to their platform later in the year. It will be free for all Spotify customers.

This marks a major win for Spotify, as the show has consistently been one of the highest performing podcasts in its decade-long history. It is also a major blow to Apple Podcasts and marks a significant shift in how the podcast industry chooses to deliver its content to its listeners.

What you need to know

• Apple updated the "News" category in the Podcasts app.
• This helps users find free, high-quality podcasts about important news topics happening right now.
• Earlier in the month, Apple added a "COVID-19: Essential Listening" collection, and you can ask Siri to play COVID-19 podcasts from trusted sources.

Apple's Podcasts team has launched an updated "News" category that users in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia are able to access. This is aimed to help Podcasts users, who often use "Browse" for recommendations, find free, high-quality podcasts about important news topics, including COVID-19, the U.S. presidential election, and more.

This isn't the first big update that Apple has done to the Podcasts' categories. Earlier in the month, Apple also launched "COVID-19: Essential Listening", which is a frequently updated collection of the best news, science, health, and culture podcasts to help people get through the current pandemic situation. Apple also made it possible to easily access podcasts about COVID-19 from trusted and reliable sources like NPR, CNN, and BBC just by asking Siri to play the latest, "COVID-19," "coronavirus," "health," news or headlines.

Apple Podcasts is currently available in 175 countries with over 1 million shows in more than 100 languages. You can get Apple Podcasts on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple Watch, CarPlay, Mac, Apple TV, HomePod, iTunes for Windows, and even Amazon Alexa.

For more about Apple Podcasts, don't miss our Podcasts App: The Ultimate Guide.

What you need to know

• Apple has added a new featured collection to the Apple Podcasts app.
• The "COVID-19: Essential Listening" collection featured a variety of podcasts.
• From breaking news to mental health, it serves listeners in a number of ways.

A couple of weeks ago, Apple had updated the Apple Podcasts app with a "Coronavirus: Stay Informed" section that highlighted a handful of podcasts focused exclusively on the topic.

Now, the company has put together a new featured collection for listeners to gather news, in-depth insight, and science about the pandemic. Called the "COVID-19: Essential Listening" collection, it provides listeners with a handful of different categories related to the current crisis.

The collection has a number of focuses, from breaking news to mental health. All of the collection's sections are listed below:

• The Latest News
• News Briefs
• What It All Means: Context and Analysis
• The Science of COVID-19
• The Economic Impact
• In This Together
• Mental Health and COVID-19
• Local Perspectives
• International Voices
• Cultivating Calm

Apple says that it will continuously update the collection, so you can expect new podcasts to be added regularly. You can check out all of the podcasts featured in the collection on the Apple Podcasts app through the App Store.

What you need to know

• Apple has partnered with Amazon to bring support for Apple Podcasts to Amazon Echo.
• Users can now ask Alexa to play podcasts from the library of 800,000 shows.
• All you need to do is sync your Apple ID to the Alexa app.

Apple and Amazon have partnered to launch support for Apple Podcasts on Amazon Echo devices.

As reported by 9to5Mac, the news means you will now be able to access Apple's library of some 800,000 shows directly through your Amazon Echo. You'll also be able to ask Alexa to play them for you.

To enable the feature, Echo customers need to link their Apple ID to the Alexa App. Once you've done this, you'll be able to ask Alexa to play a specific show, and your playback progress will be automatically synced with the rest of your Apple devices for a seamless listening experience.