Apple to launch podcast subscriptions in over 170 countries next month

Apple introduced Apple Podcasts Subscriptions for listeners to discover premium content, offered by their favorite creators alongside millions of free shows on Apple Podcasts.

“Fifteen years ago, Apple took podcasts mainstream, offering creators a premier, open platform to inform, entertain, and inspire hundreds of millions of listeners around the world,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. “Today, Apple Podcasts is the best place for listeners to discover and enjoy millions of great shows, and we are proud to lead the next chapter of podcasting with Apple Podcasts Subscriptions. We’re excited to introduce this powerful new platform to creators around the world, and we can’t wait to hear what they make with it.”

Starting in May, people in more than 170 countries and regions can sign up for Apple Podcasts Subscriptions. The subscription will offer “a variety of benefits curated by creators, such as ad-free listening, access to additional content, and early or exclusive access to new series”. It will also include Tenderfoot TV, Pushkin Industries, Radiotopia from PRX, QCODE, NPR, the LA Times, The Athletic, Sony Music Entertainment, and more.

In the upcoming release of iOS 14.5, Apple has redesigned the Apple Podcasts app bringing an enhanced Search tab that will give you quick access to Top Charts and categories. Also, there are new pages for every show and episode that make it easier to follow, listen, and share. The app comes with a Smart Play button that will automatically start you from the latest episode for episodic shows, and from the beginning of each series for serialized productions. There is also an option to save individual episodes for offline playback and a bookmark feature to listen to podcasts later.

Apple Podcasts comes with a free trial and sample podcasts provided by creators. Pricing for the subscription depends on creators and is billed by them monthly. Creators can take part in the Apple Podcasters Program through Apple Podcasts Connect, which includes all the tools needed to offer premium subscriptions on Apple Podcasts. The program will cost $19.99 per year for creators in over 170 countries and regions.

Apple Podcasts is available for free on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, HomePod mini, CarPlay, iTunes on Windows, and other smart speakers and car systems.