If you’re a fan of Apple Podcasts, then you’ve got an upgrade coming your way, wrapped in a new experience. This Spring Apple will be introducing a new podcasting experience powered by HLS, which is HTTP Live Streaming. This is the same high-end technology that powers Apple’s streaming services.
This update will give podcasters more control, unlock new monetization options, and deliver a more flexible viewing experience. It’s seamless with the new HLS support: users can switch between listening to and watching podcasts, expand the video to a full horizontal display, download episodes for offline viewing, and enjoy automatic quality adjustments based on connection quality. HLS will integrate with the current podcast ecosystem to include editorial curation, chapters, transcripts, and playback controls.
HLS is also a win for content creators, giving them full control over their content and business model. At launch, major hosting and ad partners, including SiriusXM, Omny Studio, and Acast, will support the new HLS format. Creators will be able to insert dynamic video ads, join in on browser-based advertising, and monetize through sponsorships and dynamic ad delivery. Creators will also be able to distribute video podcasts without interrupting existing audio-only subscribers. Apple won’t charge creators or hosting providers to distribute via RSS/MP3 or HLS video. Participating ad networks will pay an impression-based fee for dynamic video ads, which will be available later this year.
HLS support is now available in beta for those running iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4, with a full rollout planned for this Spring. Creators can learn more at podcasters.apple.com
