3:53 pm - February 17, 2026
- Apple is adding HLS-powered video support to treat video as a native podcast format
- The upgrade enables seamless switching between listening and watching, including offline viewing
- Dynamic video ads will open new monetisation opportunities for creators and advertisers
Apple is embedding native video into Apple Podcasts, reshaping how publishers distribute and monetise shows inside one of the industry’s largest listening platforms.
The update – now in beta across iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4 and visionOS 26.4 – treats video as a first-class format powered by HLS streaming rather than a bolt-on feature. Listeners will be able to switch between audio and video, watch in full screen, download episodes and benefit from automatic quality adjustments. A wider rollout across iPhone, iPad, Apple Vision Pro and the web is expected later this spring.
For publishers, the shift is commercial as much as technical. Apple will enable dynamic video ad insertion alongside host-read ads within video streams, opening podcast inventory to the larger video advertising market.
The company said it will not charge creators or hosting providers to distribute HLS video. Instead it will introduce an impression-based fee for participating ad networks delivering dynamic ads later this year.
Launch partners include Acast, ART19, Omny Studio, SiriusXM and Triton Digital.
Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services, called the move a “defining milestone” in Apple’s podcasting journey.
Video podcasts will surface alongside audio within Apple’s existing discovery and recommendation systems, increasing the likelihood that brands treat them as premium video inventory rather than experimental add-ons.
The friction of distributing video to podcast audiences falls. The production bar rises. Newsrooms that can meet advertiser expectations stand to unlock higher CPMs and broader sponsorship demand, while those that remain audio-only risk ceding attention and revenue as podcasting converges with streaming.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2026/02/17/apple-goes-all-in-on-video-podcasts-and-its-a-game-changer-for-creators/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.apple.com/de/newsroom/2026/02/apple-introduces-a-new-video-podcast-experience-on-apple-podcasts/ – Apple has announced a significant update to Apple Podcasts, introducing advanced video podcasting capabilities powered by its HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology. This enhancement allows users to seamlessly switch between watching and listening, rotate into horizontal full-screen viewing, and download video episodes for offline viewing. Creators gain unprecedented control over their content and monetisation, with support for dynamic video ad insertion and host-read ads. Launch partners include Acast, ART19, SiriusXM (including AdsWizz and Simplecast), and Triton Digital. Apple will not charge creators or hosting providers for distributing via HLS video but will charge participating ad networks an impression-based fee for delivering dynamic ads on Apple Podcasts later this year. The feature is currently available in beta across iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4, with a broader rollout expected this spring across iPhone, iPad, Apple Vision Pro, and the web.
- https://www.macrumors.com/2026/02/16/ios-26-4-video-podcasts-apple/ – With the release of iOS 26.4, Apple is adding video podcast capabilities to the Apple Podcasts app. This feature leverages HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology to provide creators with unprecedented control and monetisation opportunities while delivering a high-quality viewing experience. Users can switch between watching and listening to shows, download video episodes for offline viewing, and enjoy smooth playback across network conditions. The video episodes will integrate with existing Apple Podcasts features, including personalised recommendations and editorial suggestions. Creators can distribute through participating hosting providers and ad networks, maintaining complete control over their content and monetisation. Launch partners include Acast, ART19, Omny Studio, and SiriusXM brands. Creators can dynamically insert video ads, including host-read spots, unlocking access to the broader video advertising market while maintaining full creative control. Apple does not charge hosting providers or creators to distribute podcasts on Apple Podcasts, whether via traditional RSS/MP3 or HLS video. However, Apple will charge participating ad networks an impression-based fee for the delivery of dynamic ads in HLS video on Apple Podcasts starting later this year. The upgraded video podcast experience will be available on iPhone, iPad, Apple Vision Pro, and the web.
- https://9to5mac.com/2026/02/16/apple-podcasts-app-gaining-enhanced-video-podcast-experience-in-ios-26-4/ – Apple is enhancing the Apple Podcasts app with a new video podcast experience in iOS 26.4. This feature allows users to switch seamlessly between watching and listening to shows, download video podcasts for offline playback, and enjoy smooth playback across network conditions. Creators can distribute through participating hosting providers and ad networks, maintaining complete control over their content and monetisation. Launch partners include Acast, ART19, Omny Studio, and SiriusXM brands. Creators can dynamically insert video ads, including host-read spots, unlocking access to the broader video advertising market while maintaining full creative control. Apple does not charge hosting providers or creators to distribute podcasts on Apple Podcasts, whether via traditional RSS/MP3 or HLS video. However, Apple will charge participating ad networks an impression-based fee for the delivery of dynamic ads in HLS video on Apple Podcasts starting later this year. The upgraded video podcast experience will be available on iPhone, iPad, Apple Vision Pro, and the web.
- https://www.apple.com/lt/newsroom/2026/02/apple-introduces-a-new-video-podcast-experience-on-apple-podcasts/ – Apple has introduced a new video podcast experience on Apple Podcasts, powered by its HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology. This enhancement allows users to switch seamlessly between watching and listening to shows, download video episodes for offline viewing, and enjoy smooth playback across network conditions. Creators gain unprecedented control over their content and monetisation, with support for dynamic video ad insertion and host-read ads. Launch partners include Acast, ART19, Omny Studio, and SiriusXM brands. Apple does not charge hosting providers or creators to distribute podcasts on Apple Podcasts, whether via traditional RSS/MP3 or HLS video. However, Apple will charge participating ad networks an impression-based fee for the delivery of dynamic ads in HLS video on Apple Podcasts starting later this year. The feature is currently available in beta across iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4, with a broader rollout expected this spring across iPhone, iPad, Apple Vision Pro, and the web.
- https://www.apple.com/cz/newsroom/2026/02/apple-introduces-a-new-video-podcast-experience-on-apple-podcasts/ – Apple has announced a significant update to Apple Podcasts, introducing advanced video podcasting capabilities powered by its HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology. This enhancement allows users to seamlessly switch between watching and listening, rotate into horizontal full-screen viewing, and download video episodes for offline viewing. Creators gain unprecedented control over their content and monetisation, with support for dynamic video ad insertion and host-read ads. Launch partners include Acast, ART19, SiriusXM (including AdsWizz and Simplecast), and Triton Digital. Apple will not charge creators or hosting providers for distributing via HLS video but will charge participating ad networks an impression-based fee for delivering dynamic ads on Apple Podcasts later this year. The feature is currently available in beta across iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4, with a broader rollout expected this spring across iPhone, iPad, Apple Vision Pro, and the web.
- https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2026/02/17/apple-goes-all-in-on-video-podcasts-and-its-a-game-changer-for-creators/ – Apple has announced a significant update to Apple Podcasts, introducing advanced video podcasting capabilities powered by its HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology. This enhancement allows users to seamlessly switch between watching and listening, rotate into horizontal full-screen viewing, and download video episodes for offline viewing. Creators gain unprecedented control over their content and monetisation, with support for dynamic video ad insertion and host-read ads. Launch partners include Acast, ART19, SiriusXM (including AdsWizz and Simplecast), and Triton Digital. Apple will not charge creators or hosting providers for distributing via HLS video but will charge participating ad networks an impression-based fee for delivering dynamic ads on Apple Podcasts later this year. The feature is currently available in beta across iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4, with a broader rollout expected this spring across iPhone, iPad, Apple Vision Pro, and the web.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The article reports on Apple’s recent announcement regarding the integration of HLS-powered video support into Apple Podcasts, with the update currently in beta on iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4. This information is corroborated by Apple’s official newsroom release dated February 16, 2026. ([apple.com](https://www.apple.com/la/newsroom/2026/02/apple-introduces-a-new-video-podcast-experience-on-apple-podcasts/?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The article includes direct quotes from Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, as well as statements from industry partners such as Acast, ART19, Omny Studio, and SiriusXM. These quotes are consistent with those found in Apple’s official announcement and other reputable sources. ([apple.com](https://www.apple.com/la/newsroom/2026/02/apple-introduces-a-new-video-podcast-experience-on-apple-podcasts/?utm_source=openai))
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The article is sourced from Apple’s official newsroom release, which is a primary and authoritative source. Additionally, the article references reputable industry publications such as MacRumors and 9to5Mac, which are known for their accurate reporting on Apple-related news. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/02/16/ios-26-4-video-podcasts-apple/?utm_source=openai))
Plausibility check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims made in the article align with Apple’s strategic direction and recent developments in the podcasting industry. The integration of HLS video support into Apple Podcasts is a logical progression, enhancing the platform’s capabilities and competitiveness. The involvement of established podcast hosting providers and ad networks further supports the plausibility of the claims. ([apple.com](https://www.apple.com/la/newsroom/2026/02/apple-introduces-a-new-video-podcast-experience-on-apple-podcasts/?utm_source=openai))
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The article provides accurate and timely information regarding Apple’s introduction of enhanced video podcast capabilities in Apple Podcasts. The content is corroborated by multiple reputable sources, and the claims made are consistent with Apple’s official announcement and industry developments. There are no significant concerns regarding the freshness, originality, source reliability, or verification independence of the content.
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