With the release of iOS 17, Apple has announced an upgraded experience for its Apple Podcasts app. The new software update brings a refreshed design with full-screen artwork, a more streamlined queue, episode art, interactive widgets, search filters, and support for the iPhone’s new StandBy mode.
A New Era for Apple Podcasts
The updated Apple Podcasts app is designed to make it easier for users to discover and enjoy their favorite podcasts. The refreshed design includes:
- Full-screen artwork: Users can now see more of a podcast’s cover art when browsing through episodes.
- Streamlined queue: The new queue makes it simpler to manage and play multiple episodes at once.
- Episode art: Each episode now has its own dedicated art, making it easier to identify specific episodes.
- Interactive widgets: Users can customize their home screen with interactive widgets that provide quick access to their favorite podcasts.
- Search filters: The updated app includes improved search filters, allowing users to quickly find specific podcasts or topics.
Expanding the Apple Podcasts Ecosystem
In addition to the design changes, Apple is also expanding the Apple Podcasts ecosystem by:
- Making original podcasts available: Subscribers to Apple Music, Apple News+, and partners Calm and Lingokids will gain access to over 60 original podcasts, including Apple Music Radio shows.
- Integrating with third-party apps: The new API allows other apps with subscriptions to integrate with Apple Podcasts, making their content available to paying users within the app.
Partnerships and Integrations
Apple is leading by example by integrating its own narrated audio news articles from Apple News+ publishers into the Apple Podcasts app. This feature is branded as Apple News+ Narrated and will be available in both Apple Podcasts and Apple News.
Other notable partnerships and integrations include:
- Bloomberg: Will connect its subscription to Apple Podcasts, allowing users to stream content across Apple devices.
- Curio: Will also integrate with Apple Podcasts, providing access to premium audio content.
- L’Équipe, Mamamia, Sleep Cycle, The Economist, The Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, WELT News, and Zen: These partners will offer their subscribers the ability to connect their subscriptions with Apple Podcasts.
Early Adopters
The first apps to integrate with Apple Podcasts include:
- Apple Music: Will make its coverage of the 2024 Apple Music Halftime Show available on Apple Podcasts.
- Zane Lowe, Ebro Darden, and Kelleigh Bannen: These anchor-hosted shows will be available on Apple Podcasts.
Availability
To connect your app subscriptions to Apple Podcasts, you’ll need:
- iOS 17: The updated operating system is required for this feature.
- iPadOS 17 or MacOS Sonoma: Support from the app’s developer and a compatible device are also necessary.
- Regional availability: Some features may vary by region.
Conclusion
Apple Podcasts’ upgraded experience with iOS 17 marks an exciting new era for podcast listeners. With its improved design, expanded ecosystem, and innovative partnerships, Apple is setting a new standard for the podcasting industry.
