Apple Podcasts is finally good again thanks to these new features
When it comes to podcast streaming, Apple and Spotify both have their own unique offerings for listeners. But Apple Podcasts isn’t for everyone, as the app can sometimes seem very difficult to use, given its organization and categorization.
However, Apple’s new updates give the app a much-needed refresh and, for many users, may even make the app worth listening to again. What are these features and how can you use them? Here’s everything you need to know.
iOS 26.2 updates Apple Podcasts
Apple brings some updates to your iPhone with its iOS 26.2 for applications like Apple Music, Reminders, Freeform and notably Apple Podcasts. Apple’s native podcast app will now have three features that can completely transform the way you listen to your favorite episodes in the future. These new features encourage creators to interact more meaningfully with their audiences while improving their content.
Here are the new Apple Podcasts features to watch out for.
1. Automatically generated chapters
For eligible podcasts, Apple Podcasts will now use chapters to display chapters for easier navigation and listening. Chapters are a great way to skip parts of podcasts you don’t want to listen to.
You can find podcast chapters by simply selecting any episode and scrolling through the summary. Select a timestamp based on a subtopic you’re interested in, then hit “Play” to listen from there. You can also open the episode player and select the episode title to find a drop-down menu with chapter names. The player will also divide the episode into chapters, like Spotify podcasts.
One downside is that for some shows, chapters are automatically generated by the AI when not provided by the host (unless turned off by the creator), and currently I don’t see consistent accuracy for sections shown in shows. That being said, the feature pairs very well with Apple’s iOS 17 feature that automatically generates tracking transcripts. So I enjoyed seeing how these two features help improve the listening experience.
As more users gain access to this feature, we hope that Apple will be able to improve the feature to be consistent and accurate.
2. Timed Links
Another new feature that makes Apple Podcasts much more interactive and easier to use is Timed Links. This feature allows podcast hosts to provide links within podcasts to platforms like Apple Music, Apple News, Apple Podcasts, Apple TV, and more. Clickable links will appear in the episode at specific timestamps as the hosts mention sources, relevant media, etc. Some examples of this feature include a link to a book promoted on a celebrity podcast or a link to a song appearing when singers sit down for an interview episode.
This is perhaps my favorite feature introduced by Apple Podcasts, as I tend to surf for relevant information mentioned in my favorite historical podcasts as the episode progresses. Providing timed links within the episode, coupled with the transcription feature, is significantly more engaging and can help keep listeners on the episode rather than leaving the app and disrupting the listening experience.
Although this feature is not available for all shows, since they are added by creators, it will be useful for educational and current affairs podcasts, among others.
3. Podcast Mentions
A little feature that’s part of Timed Links helps automatically generate links when Apple Podcasts hosts mention podcasts. This includes episodes of their own show or podcasts hosted by another creator. This feature, currently rolling out in limited beta for English-language shows, allows for both personal and cross-promotion and simplifies your navigation on the app so you can quickly find new content.
Listening to podcasts at 1.5x speed doesn’t make me a monster
Life is too short to listen in real time.
Podcast links are optional, and while Apple Podcasts helps hosts generate them automatically, they can choose to disable them at their discretion. Additionally, the feature isn’t available to all creators, so it may take a while before you see podcast links for your favorite show.
Is Apple Podcasts catching up to other podcast apps?
After Apple Podcasts introduced transcriptions, I was drawn to the platform for my listening needs, but stuck with Spotify’s podcast collection. However, with these new features, Apple Podcasts is quickly catching up with its competitors and its chapters resemble those of Spotify. As a result, I’ve found myself interacting with Apple’s podcast app more frequently lately.
Timed links and podcast mentions are features that podcasts can rely on and improve upon to differentiate themselves from their peers, and I’m very excited to see where Apple takes them, as they seem new and engaging to use. If executed correctly and consistently across all shows after testing and user feedback, these features can attract more listeners and new users, especially since it is a dedicated podcast app.
I also hope to see these features become available on a wider scale (including the web app) to more users, so Podcasts can truly feel on par with its biggest competitor, Spotify, which also includes many podcast-focused features for desktop app users.
These Apple Podcast features can be used on the iPhone and iPad app as well as the web app. Make sure your iPhone is updated to iOS 26.2 when you have access to it so you can take advantage of the new features.
