Apple has announced a significant enhancement to its Podcasts app, incorporating the firm's HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) video protocol. In the past, the application was limited to delivering video content through formats such as MOV, MP4, and M4V.
Users stand to gain multiple improvements from this change. The feature enables effortless transitions between video playback and audio listening, along with a landscape mode for full-screen viewing. Furthermore, it allows downloading of both video and audio episodes for offline access, a capability absent in the prior system that relied on an RSS-style feed for content delivery. While RSS remains a viable distribution method, HLS introduces notable enhancements.
The update incorporates picture-in-picture functionality to support multitasking on devices including the iPad. Additionally, the app will dynamically optimize video resolution to maintain consistent performance across different connection types, such as Wi-Fi and mobile data.
This version will launch across key platforms like iOS, iPadOS, visionOS, and the web browser interface. Currently in testing phase, Apple intends to deploy it widely this spring alongside the 26.4 software releases.