Apple unveils a new video podcast experience in Apple Podcasts that lets creators distribute video through participating hosting providers and ad networks while keeping control over content and monetization.

The company won’t charge hosting providers or creators to distribute podcasts on Apple Podcasts, whether via RSS/MP3 or HLS video; however, participating ad networks will incur an impression-based fee for delivering dynamic ads in HLS video later this year.

Apple will not become a hosting provider; instead, it serves as the distribution and ad-delivery layer for video within the existing podcast ecosystem, preserving RSS openness while expanding monetization.

Video quality will adapt in real time using HLS, with beta support in iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4, and a broad rollout planned for spring 2026 across iPhone, iPad, Apple Vision Pro, and the web.

HLS video testing is available now in beta versions of iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4, with rollout to iPhone, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro users and the web this spring.

Apple maintains playback control and performance across devices with HLS to minimize buffering and ensure consistent viewing and listening on both Wi‑Fi and cellular networks.

Listeners can watch video episodes inside Apple Podcasts, switch between audio and video, enjoy a horizontal full-screen mode, and download episodes for offline viewing.

The podcast catalog remains accessible across devices—iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, CarPlay, Vision Pro—and on the web at podcasts.apple.com.

Creators can dynamically insert video ads, including host-read spots, unlocking access to the video advertising market while keeping full creative control.

The feature set is supported by partners such as Acast, ART19, Triton’s Omny Studio, and SiriusXM family (including AdsWizz and Simplecast), with more providers to join at launch to enable HLS video.

Native video playback powered by HTTP Live Streaming enables adaptive streaming and dynamic video ad insertion within the Apple Podcasts app.

Video integrates into existing shows without altering follower counts or downloads, with monetization available through sponsorships and dynamic advertising.