Revolutionizing Podcasts: The Enhanced Video Experience on iOS 26.4

Apple is set to enhance its Podcasts app in iOS 26.4 to bring advanced video podcast capabilities to both creators and listeners. This upgrade will introduce a new “enhanced video podcast experience” that enables users to seamlessly switch between viewing video content and listening to audio podcasts.

Delivering a Seamless Experience for Users

Apple’s move comes amidst increasing competition in the podcasting space from platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Netflix. The popularity of video podcasts that allow for easy transitions between video and audio formats has been on the rise.

While Apple already supports video podcasts, the upcoming technology upgrade in iOS 26.4 will leverage the company’s HTTP Live Streaming technology.

HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology enables Apple to provide video playback without compromising the audio podcast listening experience. This technology allows for automatic quality adjustments based on varying network conditions, as well as the option for users to download video podcasts for offline viewing.

Apple has shared more insights for creators on how the new video podcast experience will function:

The enhanced video podcast experience offers creators the ability to distribute content through participating hosting providers and ad networks, giving them full control over their content and monetization. Acast, Amazon’s ART19, iHeartMedia’s Triton Digital, and SiriusXM, including SiriusXM Media, AdsWizz, and Simplecast, are among the initial providers supporting HLS video, with more expected to join in the future.

Additionally, the upgraded experience will support dynamically inserted video ads within Apple’s Podcasts app for the first time:

Creators now have the ability to dynamically insert video ads, including host-read spots, opening up opportunities in the broader video advertising market while maintaining full creative control. These video ads seamlessly integrate into existing shows without disrupting followers or downloads, allowing creators to monetize through sponsorships and dynamic advertising.

While Apple does not charge for podcast distribution through its Podcasts app, it will impose a fee on ad networks for dynamic ads in HLS video podcast episodes under the new system:

Apple does not levy charges on hosting providers or creators for podcast distribution on Apple Podcasts, whether via traditional RSS/MP3 or HLS video. However, ad networks will be subject to a standard impression-based fee for serving dynamic ads in HLS video on Apple Podcasts later this year.

Apple has confirmed that the enhanced video podcast experience will be accessible on iPhone, iPad, Apple Vision Pro, and the web:

Podcast hosting providers and creators interested in enabling HLS video on Apple Podcasts can find more information on how to leverage Apple products and tools for creating exceptional video podcast episodes at podcasters.apple.com.

The developer beta for iOS 26.4 is now available, offering a preview of the changes coming to Apple Podcasts.