Apple pushes back Podcasts subscriptions to June

Apple

Apple was supposed to roll out its Podcasts subscriptions this month. But after some creators ran into problems with the feature, the company has decided to push back its release to June to ensure they are "delivering the best experience for creators and listeners." Apple made this announcement to the creators via an email sent on Friday. Some of the issues included creators' inability to log into Apple's Podcast Connect portal or seeing delays in new episode availability. Apple said it fixed these "disruptions" already.

Apple's Podcasts subscriptions will offer subscribers to participating podcasts additional perks like early access to episodes and ad-free listening. The service will launch in 170 countries.

Source: The Verge

Apple Podcasts eases confusion, swaps 'subscribe' for 'follow'

Source: 9to5Mac

Apple is making a small change in its Podcasts app that might have a significant impact. The service follows in the footsteps of the likes of Spotify and Audible by using the term "follow" instead of "subscribe" when inviting users to keep tabs on their favourite podcasts. The new wording will arrive in iOS 14.5, which is expected to come out later this month. 

The small change might seem insignificant to you. But it could affect the podcast industry. To those who don't listen to podcasts, the word "subscribe" suggests you need to pay to follow a show you're listening to, similar to what you do with subscription services. Instead, you're just planning to follow that show to make sure you don't miss updates.  

Source: Podnews

Apple, Common Sense Media launches 'Kids & Family' experience for Podcasts app

Source: Apple

Apple has partnered with nonprofit organization Common Sense Media to launch a new Kids & Family experience for its Podcasts app. Initially available in the US, the feature will offer age-appropriate content recommendations for families. The goal is to make it easier for parents to find kid-friendly podcasts for all ages.

There will be thematic collections from creators like Tinkercast, American Public Media, Gen-Z Media, Pinna, Tumble, Highlights, WNYC Studios, Rebel Girls, and Nickelodeon.

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Apple might offer a podcast subscription service

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.

Source: Engadget + MacRumors