Apple Podcasts Gets New Storage Management Features in iOS 15.5, macOS 12.4

As pointed out by TechCrunch, Apple has introduced a host of new features and advanced management tools for its Podcasts app in iOS 15.5, iPad OS 15.5, and macOS 12.4, including the ability to limit podcast storage across your devices.

In the latest version of Apple Podcasts, users can set the app to only download a certain number of recent episodes, those within a set timeframe such as a week or month, or only new episodes. Users also have the option to disable downloads completely to save storage.

The update also brings tools to enable annual podcast subscriptions, as well as the recently rolled out Apple Podcasts Delegated Delivery system, which lets creators distribute their podcasts directly to Apple Podcasts from third-party hosts. Delegated Delivery will be available sometime this fall.

Starting this fall, a select number of hosting providers will support the Delegated Delivery system, including Acast, ART19, Blubrry, Buzzsprout, Libsyn, Omny Studio, and RSS.com. Apple says these providers represent around 80% of listening for premium content on Apple Podcasts, and more services will be added over time.

Delegated Delivery will be available at no additional cost to all creators through Apple Podcasts Connect. More details about the new system, including educational resources for creators, will be revealed closer to the service’s launch.