On February 16, 2026, Apple officially announced a new video podcast experience for its Apple Podcasts platform. The announcement was made through Apple’s Newsroom, where the company described the update as a major step forward in podcast evolution. With this launch, Apple is directly competing with platforms like YouTube and Spotify, which already offer strong video podcast features.
What Apple Announced
Apple introduced full support for video podcasts inside the Apple Podcasts app. This new feature allows users to watch and listen to podcasts in a seamless way. The update is powered by HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology, which improves video playback quality and performance.
The company described the new video podcast experience as “best-in-class,” designed to provide a smooth and engaging experience for both listeners and creators.
How the Feature Works
With the new update, users can easily switch between watching a video and listening to the audio version of the same episode. This means someone can start by watching a podcast and then continue listening without interruption.
The video supports full horizontal viewing mode for a more immersive experience. Users can also download video podcast episodes for offline viewing, just like audio episodes.
The streaming quality automatically adjusts depending on the user’s internet connection, ensuring smooth playback whether on Wi-Fi or cellular data.
Benefits for Users
The update improves how users discover and consume podcasts. Video podcasts will appear within the same Apple Podcasts interface, alongside audio shows. Personalized recommendations, editorial collections, and search features will also include video content.
Users do not need a separate app to watch video podcasts. Everything remains inside the Apple Podcasts platform, making it convenient and simple.
Benefits for Creators
Apple’s new system also gives creators more opportunities. Podcast creators can now publish video versions of their shows using supported hosting providers.
For the first time on Apple Podcasts, dynamic video ads are supported. This includes host-read advertisements embedded within video episodes. Apple confirmed that it will not charge creators or hosting providers to distribute video podcasts. However, advertising networks will pay Apple an impression-based fee for serving dynamic video ads.
At launch, several hosting and advertising partners support the new format, including Acast, ART19 (an Amazon company), Triton’s Omny Studio, and SiriusXM Media.
Availability and Rollout
The video podcast feature is currently available in beta versions of iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4. Apple confirmed that the full rollout will begin in spring 2026.
The update will be available on iPhone, iPad, Apple Vision Pro, and Apple Podcasts on the web.
Why This Move Matters
Video podcasting has grown rapidly in recent years. Platforms like YouTube already attract millions of viewers who prefer watching podcasts rather than only listening. Spotify has also invested heavily in video podcast capabilities.
By adding video support directly into Apple Podcasts, Apple aims to retain users within its ecosystem and attract creators who want broader reach and better monetization tools.
Conclusion
Apple’s introduction of video podcasts on February 16, 2026, marks a significant expansion of the Apple Podcasts platform. With seamless switching between audio and video, offline downloads, dynamic video ads, and wide device support, Apple is positioning itself as a strong competitor to YouTube and Spotify in the growing video podcast market.
