Apple bringing Videos to Podcasts!
Apple has announced a major evolution for its podcasting platform, unveiling an all-new video podcast experience designed to rival major streaming competitors while maintaining the “open” spirit of the medium.
The tech giant confirmed that starting this spring, Apple Podcasts will support advanced video capabilities powered by its industry-standard HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology. The update aims to provide a seamless transition for users who want to switch between high-definition viewing and traditional background listening.
A New Way to Watch
The upcoming update introduces several user-centric features intended to make video as intuitive as audio. Key highlights include:
Seamless Switching: Users can flip between watching a video and listening to the audio-only stream without losing their place.
Flexible Viewing: The app will support a horizontal full-screen display for an immersive experience.
Offline Access: Video episodes can be downloaded for viewing on the go, a feature long requested by commuters.
Adaptive Quality: Using HLS technology, video quality will automatically adjust based on the user’s Wi-Fi or cellular connection to prevent buffering.
“Today marks a defining milestone,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services. “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.”
Monetization and Creator Control
Unlike some competing platforms that host video within “walled gardens,” Apple’s implementation allows creators to maintain control over their distribution. Creators can continue to use their existing hosting providers and ad networks.
Significantly, the update enables dynamic video ad insertion. For the first time on the platform, creators can insert video-based advertisements—including host-read spots—into their content, opening up new revenue streams from the broader video advertising market.
Industry leaders have been quick to praise the move. Greg Glenday, CEO of Acast, called it a “defining moment” for the industry, noting that it ensures “no creator or advertiser leaves revenue or reach on the table.” Other launch partners include ART19 (an Amazon company), SiriusXM, and Triton’s Omny Studio.
Availability
The addition of HLS video builds on Apple Podcasts’ existing suite of features, which includes transcripts in 13 languages, timed links, and “Enhance Dialogue” mode.
The video experience is currently available for beta testing in iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4. A full public rollout is expected this spring across iPhone, iPad, Apple Vision Pro, and Apple Podcasts on the web.
As with its audio offerings, Apple confirmed it will not charge hosting providers or creators for distributing video on the platform, maintaining its position as a facilitator of the global podcast ecosystem.
