Since iTunes is no longer one place for all media, it has been split into separate apps for music, books or audiobooks, and podcasts. Because of this change, many users now find the Podcasts app for the first time.
Apple Podcasts is Apple's app for listening to podcasts in audio and video form. It focuses only on podcast content like shows, interviews, and storytelling series. Instead of a mixed library, it gives a simple space to browse millions of episodes by topic and interest.
The app works on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and it can also be used on the web. It uses your Apple ID, so everything stays synced across devices. Over time, it has become an important platform for podcast discovery in the Apple system.
If you are new, you do not need to overthink it. Most users just search for a topic, follow a few shows, and start listening. It gets easier as you use it.
Part 1. What Is Apple Podcasts?
Apple Podcasts is Apple's official podcast app and platform for discovering, listening to, and managing podcasts in one place. It includes both audio and video podcasts and gives access to a large catalog of shows across news, entertainment, education, and storytelling.
According to Apple, it brings millions of podcast episodes into a single experience. It works as both a listening app and discovery platform, where users can play content and find new shows through recommendations, charts, and editorial picks.
Part 2. How Apple Podcasts Works
Apple Podcasts connects users to content through search, recommendations, and subscriptions. Users can browse shows, follow creators, and stream episodes in the app. When a user follows a podcast, new episodes are added automatically to their library. Content can be streamed online or downloaded for offline listening. Apple also organizes podcasts by categories, charts, and recommendations to help users find content more easily.
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Playback Speed Controls
Apple Podcasts lets you change speed while listening. You can slow down or speed up an episode. Options include a preset speed or an adjustable dial for precise 0.1 steps. The audio file does not change. It is useful for interviews, lessons, and long discussions.
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Subscription Features
Some podcasts offer paid subscriptions. These can include bonus episodes, early access, or ad-free content.
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Offline Listening
You can download episodes to listen offline. This works without an internet connection. It is useful for travel or low-signal areas. You can also adjust playback speed and use audio clarity features to improve listening.
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Video Podcasts Support
Apple Podcasts supports video podcasts. Creators can publish episodes with both audio and video. You can watch them directly in the app.
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Popular Charts (Top Charts)
Apple Podcasts has Top Charts showing popular podcasts. It includes multiple chart categories for shows, episodes, and premium content such as Top Shows, Top Episodes, Top Subscriber Shows, Top Subscriber Channels, and Top Series.
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Cross-Device Integration
Apple Podcasts syncs across Apple devices. This includes iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and CarPlay. Your progress, subscriptions, and library stay updated on all devices. You can also use it on supported web browsers.
Part 3. How to Subscribe to Apple Podcasts
Most podcasts and shows are free to stream without a subscription. Apple also offers optional Apple Podcasts Subscriptions for specific shows or channels, including curated collections or individual podcast shows. Instead of subscribing to Apple Podcasts Subscriptions, users can also connect other Apple subscriptions, such as Apple Music, to access certain exclusive podcast content. Still, these subscriptions are optional and not required for listening to most podcasts.
3.1Subscribe to Apple Podcasts
01Open Apple Podcasts on iPhone, iPad, or Mac, or open podcasts.apple.com using a browser.
02Click or tap the Search tab or use the search bar.
03Enter the name of the podcast or channel you want to subscribe to.
04Click on the podcast or channel from the search results.
05Click on "Subscribe", "Try Free", or the available subscription option.
06Sign in using your Apple ID if prompted.
07Follow the on screen instructions to confirm the subscription or start a free trial.
3.2Connect Apple Podcasts to Other Apple Subscriptions
01Open Apple Podcasts on iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
02Open the podcast or channel that you want to access.
03Click on "Already a Subscriber?" on the podcast page.
04Sign in with the Apple ID linked to your subscription.
05Follow the on screen prompts to verify your subscription status.
06Allow the system to connect your account automatically.
07Open Library to confirm the subscription has been activated.
Part 4. How to Use Apple Podcasts on Different Devices
Apple Podcasts works across Apple devices, but the experience varies slightly. You can search for shows, follow them, and listen with full sync through your Apple account across devices.
4.1How to Use Apple Podcasts on Windows (iTunes)
On Windows, Apple Podcasts is available through iTunes.
01Install and open iTunes on your Windows computer.
02Sign in using your Apple ID.
03Click the Podcasts section in the top navigation.
04Search for a podcast using the search bar.
05Click a podcast result to open its page.
06Click Subscribe or Play to start listening.
07Go to Library to manage followed or downloaded episodes.
4.2How to Use Apple Podcasts on iPhone and iPad
On iPhone and iPad, the Podcasts app gives full access to browse, stream, download, and manage your library.
01Open the Apple Podcasts app on your iPhone or iPad.
02Tap Listen Now to view recommendations or Library to view saved content.
03Tap Search and enter a podcast name or keyword.
04Select a podcast from the results list.
05Tap Subscribe or tap an episode to start playback.
06Use playback controls to pause, skip, or change speed.
4.3How to Use Apple Podcasts on Mac
On Mac, you get similar features, including playback controls and library organization.
01Open the Podcasts app on your Mac.
02Sign in with your Apple ID if prompted.
03Click Browse, Listen Now, or Search in the sidebar.
04Enter a podcast name in the search bar.
05Select a podcast and click Subscribe or Play.
06Open Library to manage downloaded or followed shows.
4.4How to Use Apple Podcasts on Apple Watch
On Apple Watch, it focuses on simple control and listening on the go, usually with Bluetooth headphones, without needing your phone.
01Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
02Scroll down and tap Podcasts.
03Tap Add Shows or Sync Podcasts.
04Select the podcasts you want to sync.
05Place Apple Watch on charging to start syncing episodes.
06Open the Podcasts app on Apple Watch.
07Tap an episode to play using Bluetooth headphones.
4.5How to Use Apple Podcasts on CarPlay
You can also use Apple Podcasts with CarPlay while driving, or access it through a supported web browser when not using an Apple device.
01Connect your iPhone to CarPlay using USB or wireless connection.
02Tap the Podcasts app icon on the CarPlay home screen.
03Select Listen Now, Library, or Browse.
04Choose a podcast episode from the list.
05Tap Play to start playback.
06Use steering wheel controls or Siri to control playback.
Part 5. How to Download Apple Podcasts
Apple Podcasts lets you download episodes for offline listening when there is no internet connection. To download, open a podcast and tap or click the download button next to an episode. The episode is saved to your device and can be accessed in your library. You can also remove downloads from the same library view to free up storage space.
5.1Download Apple Podcasts Manually
01Open the Apple Podcasts app on your device.
02Search for the podcast episode you want to download.
03Tap the episode to open its detail page.
04Tap the download icon next to the episode title.
05Wait for the download to complete.
06Open Library and tap Downloaded to access offline episodes.
07Play episodes without an internet connection.
5.2Download Apple Podcasts Automatically (Automatic Downloads)
01Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
02Scroll down and tap Podcasts.
03Turn on Automatic Downloads.
04Select options for downloading new episodes automatically.
05Open a podcast show page and tap Follow.
06Ensure the device is connected to Wi-Fi for downloads.
07Check Library > Downloaded to confirm saved episodes.
Part 6. How to Convert Apple Podcasts to MP3
If you're looking to save your favorite Apple Podcasts as MP3 files, ViWizard Audio Capture is a simple and effective tool to do just that. Whether you're using a Windows PC or a Mac, you can easily capture and convert podcasts from the Podcasts app or iTunes into MP3 files.
Here's how it works: all you need to do is select the platform where you listen to your podcasts — Podcasts app or iTunes — and let ViWizard Audio Capture handle the rest. The tool will automatically record the episode and convert it into MP3 format, making it easy to download for offline listening.
One of the best features of ViWizard Audio Capture is that it lets you split longer episodes into smaller, more manageable parts, which is perfect if you want to save just a specific section of a show or if you prefer listening to shorter clips at a time.
Key Features of ViWizard Audio Capture
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- Record streaming audio and system audio from different sources
- Capture music, podcasts, and online audio content
- Export recorded audio in 17 formats for different devices and platforms
- Record audio automatically without saving tracks individually
- Organize captured audio files with customizable output options
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Adam Gorden, the digital media specialist at ViWizard, is dedicated to providing the best solutions for digital media management, including audio and video conversion, file optimization, and media workflow enhancements.
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