# Apple Upgrades Podcasts App with Enhanced Video Features in iOS 26.4
With the release of the iOS 26.4 update, Apple is significantly improving its Podcasts app by adding enhanced video podcast features designed to elevate the experience for creators and listeners alike. This enhancement enables users to easily toggle between viewing a video podcast and listening to its audio version, signifying a trend towards greater video integration in the podcasting domain.
## A Streamlined Experience for Users
Apple’s move aims to bolster its standing in the intensely competitive podcasting field, where it competes with platforms such as Spotify, YouTube, and Netflix. The growing interest in video podcasts has led Apple to upgrade its services, building upon its existing support for video content.
The technological improvement utilizes Apple’s HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology, which facilitates video playback while maintaining audio quality. HLS automatically adjusts video quality according to network conditions, ensuring a consistent viewing and listening experience. Furthermore, users will be able to download video podcasts for offline use, enhancing convenience.
## Empowering Creators
The updated video podcast features provide numerous benefits for content creators. Apple has highlighted how this enhancement allows creators to share their content via participating hosting services and ad networks while keeping full control over their content and monetization. Key partners at the launch include Acast, Amazon’s ART19, iHeartMedia’s Triton Digital, and SiriusXM, with intentions for more providers to come on board.
One of the notable aspects of this update is the inclusion of dynamically inserted video ads within Apple’s Podcasts app. For the first time, creators can seamlessly incorporate video advertisements, including host-read segments, into their podcasts. This opens up opportunities in the broader video advertising market while enabling creators to retain full creative control. The integration of video ads is crafted to be unobtrusive, ensuring it does not disrupt current follower engagement or downloads.
## Monetization and Distribution
While Apple does not charge fees to hosting providers or creators for podcast distribution via its Podcasts app, it will implement a fee for ad networks for the placement of dynamic ads in HLS video podcast episodes. This approach allows Apple to generate revenue from the new features while ensuring the distribution process remains accessible for creators.
Podcast hosting services and creators interested in activating HLS video on Apple Podcasts can find further details and resources on Apple’s dedicated podcaster site.
## Availability
The enhanced video podcast experience will be accessible on various Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, Apple Vision Pro, and the web, allowing users to enjoy video podcasts anytime, anywhere.
The iOS 26.4 update is presently available as a developer beta, with additional information regarding the modifications to Apple Podcasts available through Apple’s newsroom.
In conclusion, Apple’s upgrades to its Podcasts app in iOS 26.4 signify a substantial advancement in the podcasting industry, offering users a more seamless experience while providing creators with new monetization options.