Mobile Tech

Apple Podcasts Takes the Leap into Video Content

Published

4 hours ago

February 23, 2026

Apple made a surprising move by announcing new features alongside developer betas, revealing that the upcoming OS 26.4 updates will introduce a “transformative update” to video podcasting.

In a recent newsroom announcement, Apple detailed how Apple Podcasts will be leveraging Apple’s HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology to provide podcast creators with more control over their video content and offer users a seamless experience.

HLS, the same technology used by Apple for its event livestreams, will enable users to effortlessly switch between watching a video podcast and listening to the audio without any interruptions. This technology ensures optimal quality regardless of the user’s network connection, whether LTE, 5G, or Wi-Fi.

While Apple Podcasts has supported video for some time, the traditional delivery method has often led to a less-than-ideal experience, requiring users to download the content. Competitors like Spotify and YouTube have offered superior experiences, prompting Apple to enhance its video podcasting capabilities.

HLS includes automatic quality adjustments to adapt to network conditions seamlessly, ensuring viewers experience smooth playback transitions even when changing networks.

Two decades ago, Apple played a significant role in popularizing podcasting by adding podcasts to iTunes. Today, Apple Podcasts reaches a milestone by introducing a category-leading video experience, empowering creators to control their content and audience engagement.

Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services

The new Podcasts app in iOS 26.4 will allow users to seamlessly switch between video and audio playback with a simple toggle button and enjoy a full horizontal display.

One of the highlights is that HLS technology ensures that video content is not streamed when only the audio is being played, saving data usage.

Users can still download videos for offline viewing, but automatic downloads will prioritize audio content to conserve storage and bandwidth.

Apple has partnered with major hosting providers to support HLS video, enabling creators to dynamically insert ads and monetize their podcasts without compromising creative control.

The HLS video support will be provided at no cost to creators and hosting providers, with Apple taking an impression-based fee for ads run through participating networks.

HLS video is already available in the beta versions of iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4, with a promised rollout this spring for iPhone, iPad, and Vision Pro devices, as well as Apple Podcasts on the web.

While Apple Podcasts is accessible on macOS, there is no confirmation yet regarding the enhanced video experience on Mac devices.

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