Amazon’s podcast studio “Wondery” will partner with Apple as part of the Cupertino company’s premium podcast push.
That’s according to a new report from The Hollywood Reporter, which explains that Wondery, the producer of podcasts like Dr. Death, Business Wars, and The Shrink Next Door, will bring its “Wondery+” subscription service to Apple’s new Podcast Subscriptions service set to launch later this month.
Wondery+, according to the report, offers ad-free podcasts with early access and exclusive episodes for subscribers.
“We’re excited to join with Apple on the next chapter of podcasting and are encouraged by the opportunities this subscription offering opens up for the podcast industry as a whole,” said Wondery CEO Jen Sargent. “Through this opportunity, we’ll be offering our listeners on Apple Podcasts easy access to Wondery+ while bringing them the same immersive listening experience they’ve grown to know and love.”
The deal suggests that Amazon has no plans to restrict the availability of Wondery in the near future and is instead focused on getting the service’s podcasts to as many listeners as possible.
Launched at Apple’s “Sping Loaded” event last week, Apple Subscription Podcasts, for its part, allows podcast creators to set up both monthly and annual subscriptions for shows. Following the service’s reveal, Apple has managed to collect a number of high-profile shows that will be available via the subscription option.
Apple announced its previously rumored Podcasts Subscriptions service alongside its new AirTag tracking device and the new iMac and iPad Pro. From the press release:
Apple today unveiled Apple Podcasts Subscriptions, a global marketplace for listeners to discover premium subscriptions offered by their favorite creators alongside millions of free shows on Apple Podcasts. Starting in May, listeners in more than 170 countries and regions can sign up for premium subscriptions that include a variety of benefits curated by creators, such as ad-free listening, access to additional content, and early or exclusive access to new series. Listeners will be able to enjoy premium subscriptions from independent voices and premier studios, including Tenderfoot TV, Pushkin Industries, Radiotopia from PRX, and QCODE, to leading media and entertainment brands, including NPR, the Los Angeles Times, The Athletic, Sony Music Entertainment, and many more.
