The Apple Podcasts app is switching to HTTP Live Streaming video technology

Source: Engadget

Overview

Apple is planning a major update for its Podcasts app. The entire app is switching to the company’s HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) video technology, replacing the previous use of formats such as MOV, MP4, and M4V.

Benefits

• Seamless switching between watching and listening.
• Horizontal full‑display option for video playback.
• Both video and audio streams can be downloaded for offline viewing, a capability not available with the prior streaming method that relied on an RSS‑like feed.
• Picture‑in‑picture support for multitasking on devices like the iPad.
• Automatic picture‑quality adjustment to maintain smooth playback across varying network conditions, including Wi‑Fi and cellular.

Availability

The update will be released on most platforms, including iOS, iPadOS, visionOS, and the web. It is currently in beta, with a broader rollout planned for spring as part of the upcoming 26.4 operating system releases.