Apple has unveiled a major update to Apple Podcasts, introducing full video podcast support built on HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology. The change marks the platform’s most significant evolution in years, positioning Apple to compete more directly with YouTube and Spotify in the fast-growing video podcast market.
The update, available now in beta versions of iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4, lets users watch or listen to episodes interchangeably, download videos for offline viewing, and enjoy adaptable playback quality based on network conditions. A full public rollout is planned for this spring across iPhone, iPad, Apple Vision Pro, and the web.
New Monetization and Creator Control
For the first time, Apple Podcasts will offer dynamic video ad insertion—including host-read spots—opening the door to new revenue opportunities for publishers. Creators will retain full control over content and monetization through participating podcast hosting providers.
“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.”
Apple will not charge creators or hosting platforms to distribute shows but plans to introduce an impression-based fee for ad networks using dynamic HLS video ads later this year.
Launch Partners Embrace the Platform
Several major hosting platforms are supporting video at launch, including Acast, ART19 (an Amazon company), Triton’s Omny Studio, and SiriusXM. More providers are expected to join in the coming months.
“Apple Podcasts is synonymous with podcasting itself. Bringing video to the platform is a defining moment,” said Greg Glenday, CEO of Acast. ART19’s CEO Geoff Mattei added that the update represents “a significant moment for creators who’ve been waiting for this.”
Expanding in a Competitive Market
The launch comes amid a surge in video podcast popularity. Deloitte projects that global ad revenue for podcasts and vodcasts will approach $5 billion by 2026—a nearly 20% year-over-year increase. YouTube recently surpassed 1 billion monthly podcast viewers, while Spotify reports more than 390 million users streaming video podcasts, up 54% from the previous year.
Apple has supported video podcasting since 2005 through traditional RSS feeds. However, the adoption of HLS technology allows Apple to deliver modern features—such as adaptive streaming and ad targeting—while preserving its long-standing commitment to open distribution and creator independence.
