Google is directing its podcast listeners to YouTube Music, and in response, Apple has announced enhancements to its Apple Podcasts app. With the iOS 17 update, Apple Podcasts will feature a revamped design with full-screen artwork, a streamlined queue, episode art, interactive widgets, search filters, and support for the iPhone’s StandBy mode. Subscribers to Apple Music, Apple News+, Calm, and Lingokids will also gain access to over 60 original podcasts, including Apple Music Radio shows. Third-party apps with subscriptions can now integrate with Apple Podcasts using a new API, allowing their premium audio content to be accessed by paying users.
Apple is leading the way by making its own narrated audio news articles from Apple News+ publishers available in the Apple Podcasts app. Moreover, Apple Music’s coverage of the 2024 Apple Music Halftime Show will be accessible to subscribers on Apple Podcasts, along with anchor-hosted shows and artist-hosted programs. Other partners like Bloomberg, Curio, L’Équipe, Mamamia, Sleep Cycle, and the Wall Street Journal will also connect their subscriptions with Apple Podcasts. To take advantage of this integration, users will need iOS 17, iPadOS 17, or MacOS Sonoma, as well as support from the app’s developer.
Overall, Apple Podcasts is expanding its features to offer a more enhanced and comprehensive podcast listening experience, integrating third-party subscriptions and making exclusive content available to its users.