Reports are going around that Apple might be open to offering a podcast subscription service. The company is reportedly in talks with its partners to launch this service. It would make sense for the company to provide this service as Apple has helped popularize podcasts through iPod and iTunes. But it hasn't attempted to make money from the format.
With the company now heavily relying on subscription-based offerings to help with its bottom line, this rumour doesn't seem so farfetched. You also have to think about how much its competitors like Spotify and Amazon are investing in podcasts and exclusive deals. It makes sense for this to be another revenue source. Back in May 2020, Bloomberg reported that Apple was looking into buying podcasts and turning them into exclusives, as well as developing spinoffs and companion podcasts for its Apple TV+ shows and movies.