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Apple Podcasts Getting Video Episodes in iOS 26.4

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With iOS 26.4, Apple is adding video podcast capabilities to the Apple Podcasts app. The feature uses HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) to provide podcast creators with "unprecedented control and monetization opportunities" while also providing a high-quality viewing experience.

apple-podcasts-video.jpg

"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," said Eddy Cue, Apple's senior vice president of Services. "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."
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The iOS 26.4 Podcasts app will let users switch between watching and listening to shows, with videos able to be downloaded for offline viewing. HLS ensures smooth playback regardless of network connection, so videos will work on Wi-Fi or cellular. Apple says that the video episodes will integrate with existing Apple Podcasts features, including personalized recommendations and editorial suggestions in the New and Category sections.

Creators are able to distribute through participating hosting providers and ad networks, with Acast, ART19, Omny Studio, and SiriusXM brands supporting HLS video at launch. Creators will be able to dynamically insert video ads for broader video advertising opportunities.

The Podcasts app previously supported video podcasts via RSS, but the iOS 26.4 feature is a streamlined, native option for creating and monetizing video podcasts.

Podcasters can find more information on the new video feature through Apple's podcasts website. HLS video is available for testing today in the beta versions of iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4. iOS 26.4 will be released in the spring.

Article Link: Apple Podcasts Getting Video Episodes in iOS 26.4
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/02/16/ios-26-4-video-podcasts-apple/
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I listen to most of my podcasts while driving so I won't use the feature a ton, but this is still a good thing for the few times I use the app when I'm at my desk. I guess apple wants to compete tangentially with youtube?
 
..Don't think these are new. I remember seeing a Radio lab video podcast back when I had my 3g. It was available in the regular Podcast app, and I used iTunes to sync it.

That said, no thank you.
 
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ericg301 said:
tell that to netflix
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aries81 said:
Pointless tbh.
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They're trying to compete with YouTube which is currently the most popular "podcast" app.

appleinsider.com

YouTube now most popular podcast platform, Apple Podcasts takes third

A new study has found that Apple Podcasts faces a significant decline as YouTube and Spotify solidify themselves in the space.
appleinsider.com appleinsider.com

www.edisonresearch.com

YouTube is Gen Z’s Preferred Podcast Platform

Edison Podcast Metrics shows that YouTube has a small edge over Spotify as the service Gen Z uses most often to listen to podcasts.
www.edisonresearch.com www.edisonresearch.com
 
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confirmed said:
Wow this brings back memories. I was so excited to be able to watch video on my little 2.5" video iPod screen. TikiBarTV
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I recently found all the tikibar episodes saved to an old hard drive, still very funny. Looks like a budget of $3 per episode. In the first episode they have a conversation about what the f*ck is a podcast?

One of the cast members went on to run Disney television animation?
 
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Has anyone found any video enabled feeds supporting this feature? I would assume Apple has been testing with select partners, but as of yet, I haven’t come across any that are publicly available - while running iOS 26.4 Beta 1.

I do see a setting to auto-download video (default is Off), but there’s also no splash screen when opening Podcasts noting the new feature, so it’s possible they’re holding off on going live to a later beta.

EDIT: Oh - it was right in front of me… The screenshots in Apple’s announcement show Baby, This is Keke Palmer as the example. Sure enough - that one has Video enabled.
 
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It's hard to believe that Apple's marketing team has somehow forgotten the reason they are called PODcasts is the iPod.

This is such an obvious miss, it makes you wonder why they've distanced themselves.
 
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with "unprecedented […] monetization opportunities".

So the user experience will presumably be as crap as the one on YT where the signal to noise (aka ad) ratio has long reached unbearable levels.
 
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