Spring Loaded: Apple launches Podcasts Subscriptions

Apple Podcast Subscriptions will offer benefits like early access and ad-free listening experience. It will be available in 170 regions and countries next month.

Apple announces big updates to Apple Podcasts (Apple )

Apple on Tuesday introduced ‘Apple Podcasts Subscription', a global marketplace for users to discover premium subscriptions offered by content creators.

Apple's new Podcasts Subscriptions will be available to users in May. Pricing for each subscription is set by creators and billed monthly by default. Content creators will have the option to offer annual billing as well. Subscribers can manage this through their Apple ID account settings, which is now also available through Listen Now. Subscribers can also share a subscription with up to six family members through Apple's Family Sharing.

Apple is offering its Podcasters programme to creators for ₹1,799 per year. Creators can enrol in the Apple Podcasters Program today through Apple Podcasts Connect.

“Starting in May, listeners in more than 170 countries and regions can sign up for premium subscriptions that include a variety of benefits curated by creators, such as ad-free listening, access to additional content, and early or exclusive access to new series. Listeners will be able to enjoy premium subscriptions from independent voices and premier studios, including Tenderfoot TV, Pushkin Industries, Radiotopia from PRX, and QCODE, to leading media and entertainment brands, including NPR, the Los Angeles Times, The Athletic, Sony Music Entertainment, and many more,” said Apple in a post.

Apple also announced that users would get a redesigned Apple Podcast app with the iOS 14.5 update. The redesigned platform will come with features such as an improved Search tab, which gives quick access to content such as Top Charts and categories. There is a new Smart Play button, which is said to help users automatically start episodic shows from the latest episode and serialised shows, added Apple. Listeners can also now save individual episodes which are downloaded for offline playback.