Apple Podcasts is expanding beyond audio, stepping up its video podcasting push to compete more directly with YouTube and Spotify.
In a major shift, the company plans to fully support video inside the app, strengthening its position as YouTube and Spotify push deeper into video podcasting.
The upcoming update introduces “advanced video capabilities,” allowing viewers to stream or download episodes directly within Apple Podcasts.
Users will be able to switch between audio and video effortlessly. With landscape viewing and offline downloads, the experience mirrors what audiences expect from video-first platforms.
Importantly, video shows will be woven into Apple’s discovery tools. They’ll appear in the “New” tab, category pages, and personalized recommendations.
For creators, the change simplifies things. They no longer need separate listings for audio-only and video versions of the same show.
Video distribution will be handled through participating hosting providers and ad networks. Launch partners include Acast, Amazon’s ART19, Triton Digital’s Omny Studio, and SiriusXM’s media platforms, with more joining later.
Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services, described the launch as “a defining milestone,” pointing to Apple’s long history with podcasts. By delivering a “category-leading video experience,” he said Apple is putting creators “in full control” of how they build their businesses.
Creators and hosting platforms will not pay to distribute content, whether traditional audio or HLS video. From later in 2026, Apple will charge ad networks an impression-based fee for dynamic ads in video.
The feature will be available on iPhone, iPad, Apple Vision Pro, and via the web.
