In iOS 17, Apple Podcasts introduces an updated Now Playing interface, Queue management, episode artwork enhancements, refined search filters, and the option to link subscriptions with leading apps from the App Store.
These functionalities, among others, are part of the package offered in iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS 14, watchOS 10, and tvOS 17.
Apple Podcasts is expanding its support for episode artwork, ensuring that all shows can benefit from this feature. Episode artwork, which can include original illustrations, graphics, or photographs, will be prominently displayed across various interfaces, including:
- The new Now Playing screen and Queue
- The Lock Screen and Control Center
- Within Up Next in Listen Now
- On show and episode pages
- Through link previews in messaging apps like Messages, email clients like Mail, and on various social media platforms.
Creators should consider these areas when designing episode artwork for their shows.
To publish episode artwork, creators will use their hosting provider to include it in their RSS feed. Apple Podcasts encourages creators to provide episode artwork, especially when submitting requests to be featured on the platform. In cases where episode artwork is not provided, Apple Podcasts will continue to display the show’s artwork. Additionally, when multiple shows are presented together, Apple Podcasts will default to displaying the show’s artwork.
To further enhance the listening experience, creators can also incorporate chapter-specific artwork. This artwork is displayed in real time as listeners progress through an episode, adding an extra layer of engagement and visual storytelling to the podcast experience.
Search Filters
Listeners will enjoy improved podcast discovery through enhanced search filters, including options for Top Results, Shows, Episodes, and Channels. Search results will now provide additional details, such as the remaining duration of a started episode or whether an episode has been saved to the Library. Furthermore, users can simply double-tap the Search tab to instantly activate the search bar and start typing their queries.
Connecting Your Subscriptions to Top Apps
This upcoming season, listeners will have the opportunity to link their eligible subscriptions from top App Store apps with Apple Podcasts, granting access to fresh shows and various perks. This exciting development includes renowned global news apps like Bloomberg, The Economist, L’Équipe, The Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, WELT, as well as health and fitness apps such as Calm, and family-friendly apps like Lingokids, among others.
Apple Podcasts will seamlessly recognize these App Store subscriptions and automatically add the corresponding channels or shows to the listener’s Library.
For developers interested in showcasing their premium audio content on Apple Podcasts, additional details can be found in our resources.
Furthermore, Apple Music and Apple News will introduce brand-new audio experiences within Apple Podcasts:
- Apple Music Radio on Apple Podcasts: Subscribers of Apple Music or Apple One will gain access to the entire collection of award-winning, ad-free Apple Music radio shows, hosted by prominent artists, DJs, and tastemakers. For the first time, listeners will be able to follow each show to automatically download episodes and receive notifications as soon as new content is released. New episodes of Apple Music Radio shows will simultaneously stream live on Apple Music and be made available on-demand on both Apple Music and Apple Podcasts.
- Audio stories from Apple News+ on Apple Podcasts: Subscribers of Apple News+ or Apple One will enjoy professionally narrated audio stories from the world’s leading magazines and newspapers. These audio stories will be synchronized releases, appearing on Apple News and Apple Podcasts concurrently.
Other Enhancements
Listeners will also enjoy an enhanced design for episodes, shows, and channels, simplifying the process of previewing, playing, and following podcasts. These updates come with several bug fixes and performance enhancements, promising a smoother experience. For instance, listeners can anticipate quicker access to newly published episodes, as well as improved and more consistent playback synchronization across their devices.
Availability
Members of the Apple Developer Program can access a developer beta of iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS 14, watchOS 10, and tvOS 17. A public beta will be made available to users next month. These exciting new software features will be accessible to all users in the upcoming fall as part of a free software update.
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