Apple Podcasts is getting an overhaul of sorts. On Tuesday, Apple announced Apple Podcasts Subscriptions, which allow listeners to pay podcast creators a monthly subscription fee to access a range of benefits from ad-free episodes, additional content, and early access to episodes or exclusive series. The new feature is compatible with Family Sharing, allowing you to share podcast subscriptions with up to six family members. Apple Podcasts subscriptions are coming in May — that’s next month — to more than 170 countries and regions.
Creators can price Apple Podcasts subscriptions and choose between monthly or annual billing. Podcast creators may also offer free trials and sample episodes so listeners can decide if they think it’s worth a fee. Creators must sign up for the Apple Podcasters program to access all the tools needed to offer premium subscriptions to Apple Podcasts. It costs Rs. 1,799 / $19.99 per year. Podcast creators can sign up for the Apple Podcasters program starting Tuesday through the Apple Podcasts Connect website.
Now we know why Apple Podcasts changed the subscribe button to follow last month.
In addition, the Apple Podcasts app is getting a new look with iOS 14.5 (coming out next week). Apple is introducing channels that allow creators to group shows. Think of multiple shows created by a common publisher – you can now browse them in one section. Media also support Apple Podcasts subscriptions, meaning there will be free and paid channels. Paid channels allow podcast creators to offer subscribers additional benefits.
Channels don’t get all the attention. The individual show pages are also refreshed with a cover photo, and larger follow and listen buttons. In addition, the Apple Podcasts app also gets an improved Search tab with categories and top lists. These new Apple Podcasts features will be available with iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5, and macOS 11.3. Episodes you save are also available on watchOS 7.4 and tvOS 14.5.
“Fifteen years ago, Apple took podcasts to the mainstream and provided creators with a premier, open platform to inform, entertain and inspire hundreds of millions of listeners arounworldwideid Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet software and services, in a statement. Prepared statement. † “Today, Apple Podcasts is the best place for listeners to discover and enjoy millions of great shows, and we’re proud to lead the next chapter of podcasting with Apple Podcasts subscriptions. We’re excited to introduce this powerful new platform to creators worldwide, and we can’t wait to hear what they’re making with it.”
Is the OnePlus 9R old wine in a new bottle – or something more? We covered this on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. Later (from 23:00), we will discuss the new OnePlus Watch.
