(Credit: Apple)
Apple has announced a set of video upgrades for its Podcasts app, including the ability to switch from audio to video and make video podcasts available for offline viewing.
With a new in-house protocol called HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), creators can publish video versions of their podcasts and insert dynamic video ads. Apple will start charging participating ad networks an impression-based fee later this year.
For users, the change would make switching between audio and video easier. Images tease a new "Turn video off/on" above the existing progress bar. Once video mode is enabled, users can watch in both portrait and landscape modes.
(Credit: Apple)The HLS technology will also ensure automatic adjustments to video quality. If you need to download video episodes for offline viewing, an option for that will also appear with the update.
Apple Podcasts’ improved video support comes as video podcasts continue to gain popularity. YouTube just announced that it has 1 billion monthly podcast viewers, while Netflix has partnered with Spotify to bring 16 video shows to its platform.
Expanding videos on Podcasts is a “defining milestone” in the app’s journey, said Apple’s services chief Eddy Cue. “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,” Cue added.
The upgraded video experience in Apple Podcasts will roll out on iPhone, iPad, and Vision Pro with iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4, respectively. On Mac and other devices, the experience will roll out on the web this spring, Apple said.
Apple iOS 26.4 is currently available in beta. A stable rollout is expected in a few weeks.