Apple transforms podcasts with native video support

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

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.