Apple has announced a major update to Apple Podcasts arriving this spring that introduces advanced video podcast capabilities. Powered by Apple’s HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology, the new experience gives creators greater control over their content and monetization while delivering high-quality video playback for users.
According to Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services, the update marks a significant milestone in Apple’s podcasting journey, building on its early role in popularizing podcasts through iTunes and the launch of the dedicated app.
Users will be able to seamlessly switch between watching and listening within the app, view videos in full-screen horizontal mode, and download episodes for offline viewing. HLS-powered automatic quality adjustment ensures smooth playback across Wi-Fi and cellular networks. Video episodes will also integrate with existing Apple Podcasts features, including personalized recommendations and editorial curation in the New tab and Category pages.
Apple’s new HLS-powered video podcast experience gives creators full control over distribution and monetization through participating hosting providers and ad networks, including Acast, ART19 (Amazon), Triton’s Omny Studio, and SiriusXM (with SiriusXM Media, AdsWizz, and Simplecast), with more to come. Creators can now dynamically insert video ads — including host-read spots — opening access to the broader video ad market while keeping creative control. Video integrates into existing shows without disrupting followers or downloads, and Apple does not charge creators or hosting providers to distribute podcasts (via RSS/MP3 or HLS video). However, Apple will introduce an impression-based fee for participating ad networks delivering dynamic ads in HLS video later this year.
Industry leaders say the move marks a major evolution for podcasting, expanding monetization, reach, and storytelling opportunities while preserving an open ecosystem that gives publishers control over audiences, advertising, and measurement.
Creators can enable HLS video through Apple’s podcasting tools, and the feature builds on Apple Podcasts’ global presence in over 170 countries. The app already offers features like Enhance Dialogue, variable playback speeds, chapters, timed links, transcripts in 13 languages, and premium subscriptions. HLS video is available for testing in beta versions of iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4, with a full rollout to iPhone, iPad, Apple Vision Pro, and the web planned for this spring.
