Apple is enhancing its Podcasts app to allow users to effortlessly toggle between audio and video podcasts using its HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology. This update enables listeners to switch to a landscape video format while enjoying their favorite shows and even download these video versions for offline access.

This seamless transition between audio and video could help Apple retain users who might otherwise turn to other platforms for video podcast episodes. Video consumption of podcasts is on the rise, as evidenced by YouTube’s announcement last February that over 1 billion people tune into podcasts on its platform monthly. Meanwhile, Spotify is also expanding its video offerings, and Netflix has entered the podcast arena with original content and licensed shows from Spotify and iHeartMedia.

Apple plans to roll out these new features in its Podcasts app this spring, with a testing phase beginning Monday through the betas of iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4. The HLS video feature will also be introduced to the web version of the Podcasts app in the spring. Apple assures that video integration will seamlessly blend into existing content without affecting followers or download statistics, and creators will have monetization opportunities via sponsorships and dynamic advertising.