Apple Podcasts Just Got A Major Video Makeover: What’s New For You

Apple is bringing a major technical overhaul to Apple Podcasts app this spring, moving beyond traditional RSS-based video to a more advanced system powered by HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology. The update, announced today, aims to make watching a podcast as seamless as listening to one, while opening up new revenue streams for creators.

What’s the benefit of this upgrade? Simply put, HTTP HLS tech uses adaptive bitrate streaming to break video into small segments, allowing your device to automatically switch quality levels for smooth, buffer-free playback even when your internet connection fluctuates.

With the new system, users can switch between audio and video modes without interrupting the show. The app now supports horizontal full-screen viewing and allows users to download video episodes for offline playback (finally). Using HLS technology, the app will also automatically adjust video quality based on the user’s internet connection to prevent buffering.

YouTube and Spotify have long supported video for podcasts and now Apple is finally getting on board.

New Revenue Tools For Creators

The biggest shift is for publishers. For the first time, creators will be able to use dynamic ad insertion for video, including host-read spots. This allows ads to be updated automatically even on older episodes, similar to how audio ads currently function.

Apple confirmed it will not charge creators or hosting providers to distribute these video podcasts. However, the company will begin charging ad networks an impression-based fee for delivering dynamic video ads starting later this year.

“Twenty years ago, Apple helped take podcasting mainstream by adding podcasts to iTunes, and more than a decade ago, we introduced the dedicated Apple Podcasts app. Today marks a defining milestone in that journey. 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,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services, in a statement on Monday.

Launch Partners And Beta Access

Apple is launching this new video functionality alongside several major hosting partners to ensure broad support for creators. The initial rollout includes industry leaders such as Acast, Amazon’s ART19, and Triton Digital’s Omny Studio. Additionally, SiriusXM is supporting the integration across its entire ecosystem, including Simplecast and AdsWizz, with more providers expected to join the platform in the coming months.

The HLS video experience is available for testing today in the developer betas of iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4. A public rollout for iPhone, iPad, Apple Vision Pro, and the web is scheduled for this spring, which could mean closer to the March media event set to unveil new products.