Apple reinvents podcasts app with HLS video and offline streaming

Next-gen update brings picture-in-picture, adaptive playback, and seamless audio-video switching across iOS, iPadOS, visionOS, and web

Apple is gearing up to transform its Podcasts app with a major overhaul that brings cutting-edge HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) video support, leaving behind the limitations of legacy formats like MOV, MP4, and M4V.

This next-generation update empowers users with seamless audio-video switching, full-screen horizontal viewing, and the ability to download both audio and video streams for offline consumption.

While RSS-based streaming remains available, HLS introduces advanced features such as picture-in-picture multitasking, adaptive video quality across varying network conditions, and smoother playback for a truly immersive experience.

Currently in beta, the revamped Podcasts app is set to launch across iOS, iPadOS, visionOS, and web platforms, coinciding with Apple’s anticipated 26.4 operating system rollout this spring.

With this upgrade, Apple is redefining podcast consumption, merging flexibility, performance, and innovation in one powerful package.