Apple earlierAnnounceApple will be releasing a major update to its underlying technology for its Podcasts platform: officially supporting HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) video streaming technology. This update is currently available in beta versions of iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4, and is expected to be rolled out to all users this spring.
While Apple Podcasts previously supported video playback, it mostly relied on downloading single-format files (such as MP4 and MOV) via traditional RSS feeds, resulting in a rather rudimentary experience. The introduction of HLS not only resolved many of the pain points of watching podcasts in the past but also brought a smooth experience similar to modern streaming platforms like YouTube or Netflix.
Seamlessly switch between "listening" and "watching" for a smoother experience.
For users, the most noticeable change is the "seamless switching".
Previously, watching videos on Apple Podcasts often felt like playing a separate file, creating a disconnect from the pure audio experience. However, with HLS technology, users can freely switch between "watching videos" and "listening to audio in the background," and the system automatically remembers the progress and seamlessly transitions between the two.
In addition, the new version finally supports landscape full-screen playback and the long-awaited picture-in-picture feature for iPad users. This means that while taking notes or replying to emails on your iPad, you can simultaneously watch podcast videos in a corner, achieving true multitasking.
Automatically adapts to different image quality; offline downloads are also fine.
The core advantage of HLS technology lies in "Adaptive Bitrate Streaming".
In short, the new Apple Podcasts will automatically adjust the video quality based on your current network environment (whether it's stable Wi-Fi or a mobile network with fluctuating signal), solving the problems of buffering when downloading large files or being unable to play when the network speed is slow.
More importantly, although it's a "streaming" service, Apple has retained the offline download function. Users can download HLS format video content to their devices and watch it on airplanes or in environments without internet access, a feature that was difficult to achieve perfectly with the older streaming mechanism.
New monetization opportunities for creators
This is also a positive mechanism for creators (Podcasters).
HLS supports Dynamic Ad Insertion, meaning creators can insert timely ads or sponsored content into their videos, just like in audio programs, without having to re-edit the entire video file. Initial support includes hosting platforms such as Acast, ART19, Triton Digital's Omny Studio, and SiriusXM.
Analysis of viewpoints
This update shows that Apple has finally realized the importance of "Video Podcasts" and is ready to directly compete with YouTube and Spotify.
Over the past few years, YouTube has become a dominant platform for video podcasts, with many creators uploading videos of their recording sessions to gain massive viewership. Spotify subsequently followed suit, heavily promoting its video and audio features. In contrast, Apple, the "pioneer" of podcasts, has presented a rather laging and passive experience in this area.
The adoption of HLS technology is a key step for Apple in transforming Apple Podcasts from an "RSS downloader" into a "modern streaming platform".
This not only enhances the user experience (eliminating the need to wait idly for large files to download), but more importantly, it paves the way for the future Apple Vision Pro. In the era of spatial computing, high-definition, smoothly streaming audio and video content is a necessity, and HLS is the most mature video transmission standard in the Apple ecosystem.
With this update, Apple is trying to tell creators: "You don't have to just upload videos to YouTube anymore; Apple Podcasts can now give you (even better) a viewing experience and monetization capabilities." Whether it can successfully regain the market share lost to YouTube depends on whether creators are willing to pay the price.
