Apple Podcasts is no longer just an audio app, as native adaptive video and dynamic video ads will soon be available for creators to really show their stuff.
While Apple Podcasts already supports some videos, Apple is introducing native video playback based on HTTP Live Streaming, or HLS. The update brings adaptive streaming and dynamic video ad insertion right into the app.
In Apple Podcasts, you can watch video episodes and easily switch between listening and watching. The app supports full-screen horizontal viewing and you can download episodes for offline playback.
Video quality is automatically adjusted according to network conditions using Apple’s HLS technology. HLS video support is available in beta versions of iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4.
Apple plans to roll out the feature to iPhone, iPad, Apple Vision Pro and the web in spring 2026.
Video is becoming the premier format in Apple Podcasts
Video podcasts are increasingly distributed through platforms such as YouTube, where search and monetization tools are built on video. Apple’s approach keeps video in its own ecosystem rather than moving creators into separate sources.
Video episodes integrate with Apple’s existing Podcasts recommendation tool and editorial curation. They appear next to audio shows instead of being labeled in a separate section.
With HLS, Apple maintains control over playback performance on its devices. Adaptive streaming allows the app to adjust resolution in real-time, reduce buffering, and maintain consistent playback over Wi-Fi and cellular connections.
Dynamic video ads represent a new layer of revenue
Creators can now distribute HLS video through hosting providers and ad networks such as Acast, ART19, Triton’s Omny Studio and SiriusXM entities. The biggest strategic change is monetization.
With HLS, Apple maintains control over playback performance on its devices
For the first time, creators can dynamically insert video ads into podcast episodes, including spots read by the host. Video ads typically fetch higher rates than audio-only placements, so the revenue potential increases immediately.
Apple still won’t charge creators or hosting providers to distribute shows via RSS, MP3 or HLS video. Instead, the company plans to charge participating ad networks a fee to serve dynamic ads within HLS video streams on Apple Podcasts.
Apple isn’t turning into a hosting provider in the process, but rather carving out a role as the distribution and advertising layer for video within its existing podcast ecosystem.
Why moving matters
Podcasting started as an audio medium, but video has become a big part of how shows connect with audiences. Many large video podcasts rely heavily on YouTube for discovery and monetization.
Apple’s update doesn’t replace that model, but gives creators a native option within the Apple ecosystem. Apple maintains tight integration across its hardware, software, and services, while maintaining the open RSS-based structure that podcasting was built on.
Video expands what listeners can do in the app while opening up opportunities for higher-value ads for creators.
Apple is deepening its footprint in the service without abandoning the open framework that defined podcasting in the first place.